Q1. What kind of apprenticeships do EnergyAustralia offer?
We’ve got five different options:
Powerworker – Linework
You’ll learn how to construct and maintain overhead, high voltage and low voltage electrical distribution mains, street lighting mains, customer service lines, metering and communication systems. When you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you’ll be qualified to work on low voltage overhead mains.
Powerworker – Cable Jointing
You’ll learn a variety of cable jointing and terminating techniques for low and high voltage underground electrical distribution cables. This includes paper insulated/lead insulated sheathed cables and modern plastic insulated cables. You’ll also learn to work with communication cables. At the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll be qualified to work on low voltage underground mains.
Electrical Mechanic
You’ll learn how to install, maintain, repair, test, commission and diagnose and rectify faults in electrical equipment such as transformers, switchgear and control systems. You’ll also work on electrical metering, light, power and data circuits and will be able to become a licensed electrician and registered telecommunications cabling provider.
Motor Mechanic – Heavy Vehicles
You’ll learn how to work on a variety of vehicles, trucks and plant used in the electrical supply industry. As well learning how the various systems and components operate, you’ll also maintain, test, diagnose, repair and overhaul them.
Vehicle Body Builder
You’ll learn to build, repair or modify vehicle bodies, cabins and chassis for all types of vehicles used in the electrical supply industry. |
Q2. What kind of work would I be involved in as an apprentice?
During the rotation part of the program, you’ll be involved in a very wide range of work, including:
Lineworkers
• Maintaining poles and associated hardware.
• Inspecting overhead structures and electrical apparatus.
• Installing and maintaining public lighting systems.
• Installing and maintaining overhead conductors and cables.
• Maintaining overhead energised low voltage conductors.
• Installing and maintaining electrical equipment.
Cable Jointers
• Repairs and maintenance of paper/lead insulated cables and new XLPE cables.
• Installing new underground cable infrastructure.
• Installing and maintaining public lighting systems.
• Jointing and termination of cables in substations.
• Emergency work.
Electrical Mechanics
• Building and maintaining substations.
• Assisting emergency service officers to restore electrical power to customer premises.
• Installing metering and associated equipment controlling customer installations.
• Designing and drawing electrical layouts using CAD programs.
• Installing and maintaining systems for controlling our electrical distribution network.
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Q3. Do you support TAFE and other studies?
All apprentice training course fees are reimbursed by us, providing you get a subject pass. You may also be encouraged to take further courses of study or self development which will benefit your work for EnergyAustralia. Support and assistance is available for courses which will develop your career and meet company needs.
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Q4. Where would I be based?
For the first year of your apprenticeship, you’ll be attached to a dedicated training centre (in Sydney, Newcastle or Muswellbrook) to gain basic skills and knowledge in your chosen trade. After that, you’ll rotate through various parts of EnergyAustralia so that you gain a wide range of experience.
Q5. Am I guaranteed a job at the end of the Apprenticeship Program?
All apprenticeships are a contract of employment for the period of the apprenticeship only. But because we train our apprentices to be part of technical staff for the future and offer many career opportunities, most continue working with us when they have graduated.
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Q6. What’s the starting salary?
EnergyAustralia offers progressive salaries for apprentices. An electrical safety rules allowance may be paid after a qualifying period.
(Salaries current at 1st March 2006)
Salary for Apprentices under 21 years old at commencing date
Year One $436.80 per week
Year Two $530.71 per week
Year Three $614.58 per week
Year Four $674.20 per week
Salary for Apprentices who are 21 years old and over at commencing date
Year One $557.39 per week
Year Two $614.58 per week
Year Three $645.11 per week
Year Four $674.20 per week
Download list of starting salaries |
Q7. Do I get any holidays?
You’ll be entitled to four weeks’ annual leave a year. And you’ll work a nine-day fortnight (that’s one day off every two weeks).
Q8. What are the career opportunities like?
As a large organisation, we can offer our apprentices plenty of scope for career progression. In fact, many of our senior managers started out as EnergyAustralia apprentices.
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Q9. What is the selection process for the program?
First you’ll be asked to sit for a pre-selection test. If you do well in that, then you’ll be invited for an interview.
The pre-selection test measures comprehension (reading and writing), mathematical and trade-related knowledge and skills. Here's an example of a pre-selection maths test to give you a better understanding of what's involved.
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Q10. When are the pre-selection tests held?
The pre-selection tests will be held in August 2006, and will be located in Sydney, Newcastle and Muswellbrook. Registrations to attend the test will open on 1st July and close on 3rd August 2006. |
Q11. What skills are tested at the interview?
If you do well in the pre-selection test, you’ll be invited for an interview. At this stage, we look for and assess a number of things, including:
• Strong communication skills
• An ability to contribute to and be part of a team
• An ability to work without close supervision
• A reliable school or work performance
• Knowledge of hand tools and good mechanical aptitude
• Knowledge of safe working practices
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Q12. When would I start?
If you are successful, then you’ll start your apprenticeship with EnergyAustralia in January 2007.
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