One of Australia’s largest energy infrastructure builders is hoping the momentum for a future workforce continues, including a high uptake of roles for women, as they role out more projects.
Transgrid has reported a record intake of 29 first-year apprentices, 45 per cent of them women – across substation, telecommunications and transmission line roles at a time when women make up only around 3 per cent of energy trades workers
The major network builder has now opened applications for its 2027 Apprentice Program and hopes the gender diverse workforce will continue, bringing it closer 40 per cent of the broader clean energy workforce.
Apprentices will work on Transgrid’s high-voltage network, as well as working on large-scale infrastructure projects, including EnergyConnect, HumeLink and the NSW section of VNI West, supported by technical training, face-to-face learning and mentorship from industry professionals.
A better fit
Orange resident April Rich completed Transgrid’s 2024 Pre-Apprenticeship Program and is now a second-year Transmission Line Apprentice , after leaving the mining industry and finding energy a better long-term fit.
“I wanted a job that took me places – physically and professionally. After a taste of line work in the pre-apprentice program, I knew this was it,” Rich said.
“I wanted something with real growth and variety. I love a challenge and a bit of adrenaline, and this ticks all the boxes. I especially love the big jobs and getting to climb the 500 kV and 330 kV structures. The views from the top are impressive to say the least.”
Newcastle-based Maya Boeren, now a fourth-year Telecommunications Apprentice said the scale of Transgrid’s work drew her to the industry.
“I was looking for something in a trade – something practical. With renewable energy coming online, Transgrid was really attractive, and they were really supportive of women in trades,” Ms Boeren said.
“We’re building something like 30 substations in the next 10 years and connecting all of that to the existing grid. I wish I’d found this earlier. I’d say just go for it and give it a crack.”
Late in life
Richard Crawford, now a Secondary Systems Technician in Orange, joined the program later in life after years in the workforce – a leap he says has paid off.
“Changing careers later in life was nerve-wracking at first, but making the jump has been the best decision I’ve made,” Crawford said.
“Every day is different – anywhere from Broken Hill to Haymarket, doing commissioning, maintenance and testing. The team’s amazing and everyone wants to help you succeed. “I’d just say do it – you’d really be missing out on a huge opportunity.”
Be part of it
Transgrid’s Executive General Manager of Delivery Jennifer Hughes said there has never been a better time to choose a career in energy as NSW’s is in the midst of its major transition.
“As Australia accelerates one of the world’s most ambitious clean energy transitions, we need a skilled workforce ready to meet the challenges ahead,” Hughes said.
“You don’t need to have it all figured out. If you’re curious, willing to learn and want to build something meaningful, we’ll support you with training, mentoring and hands-on experience from day one.
“We also want to see more people give it a go – including women, First Nations people, and residents from the regions where we work. A network this important should be built by people from the communities it serves.”
Applications for the 2027 Apprentice Program are open now, with roles at Newcastle, Orange, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Wallgrove and Yass.
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