Transgrid’s pre-apprenticeship course for women, 2022 intake, are now on site working on the high voltage transmission network that connects more than 3.5 million homes and businesses across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory to deliver safe and reliable electricity.
Maya Boeren has worn many hats in her career, from a captain’s cap flying planes to working in mines and as a vet nurse caring for injured animals, adding a hard hat to the list after starting an apprenticeship with Transgrid.
Ms Boeren is one of 19 apprentices in Transgrid’s 2023 intake and has just taken up her role as a Communications Technician apprentice based in Newcastle.
“I was looking for a career change, something different which was practical and had some more variety. There’s a lot to learn but it has been great so far and everyone has been so welcoming,” Ms Boeren said.
Ms Boeren spent a decade in aviation as a pilot before joining Transgrid.
“Flying was my first job and I piloted charter and scenic flights for tourists in the Northern Territory and Western Australia for many years and also flew volunteer medical transport flights with New England Volunteer Air Transport,” Ms Boeren said.
A stint in mining in Western Australia led to a role as an apprenticeship coordinator helping young people start their careers.
“It’s an interesting twist to now find myself as an apprentice but, having helped others, I now know what to expect and the reward is definitely worth it,” Ms Boeren said.
Sparked by an interest in a trades career, Ms Boeren applied to Transgrid’s pre-apprenticeship course for women in 2022.
“I really enjoyed the course, it was good to see the work culture and what we would do, and the variety of jobs and it was a great idea to get started and make sure this is the job I want to do,” Ms Boeren said.
19-year-old Amy Longmuir from Nimbin also completed Transgrid’s pre-apprenticeship course for women.
“I wasn’t necessarily looking for a career with Transgrid, but once I was introduced to the people and what Transgrid does, I was super interested and decided to apply,” Ms Longmuir said.
Ms Longmuir has now taken up a role as a first-year substation apprentice also based in Newcastle.
“It’s been amazing so far, the people are super lovely, and I couldn’t ask for a better career. It’s like family here,” Ms Longmuir said.
27-year-old Tristan De Jonge from Warrimoo in the Blue Mountains has joined Transgrid as a second year substation apprentice at the Wallgrove depot in western Sydney.
“Before joining Transgrid I was a motorcycle mechanic, a completely different field to anything I’ll be doing now but I like where it is taking me,” De Jonge said.
“I applied because I’d like to be part of the green energy transition. It’s been exciting seeing all the upcoming projects and the community atmosphere that I can be part of and how in-depth Transgrid is with safety.”
Apprentice Lead, Kailee Standen, started as an electrical apprentice with Transgrid, said the Apprenticeship Program can open many doors.
“The pace of change in the energy pace is only accelerating and Transgrid is building the major projects that will form the energy superhighway that millions of Australians will benefit from,” Ms Standen said.
“Our apprentices receive valuable hands-on learning in a supportive environment and may work on some of Australia’s largest and most important energy projects.”
The prospect of working on nation building infrastructure is one that excites Ms Boeren.
“I’m looking forward to having a front row seat and to watch how the energy system adapts to all the renewables coming into the system. As far as opportunities go, the sky’s the limit,” Ms Boeren said.
Feature Image Supplied by Transgrid.
