To aid Western Australia’s transition to renewable energy, Western Power has hired 33 apprentices, trainees and recent university graduates.
The new employees were trained as part of and have recently graduated from Western Power’s nationally accredited program, including:
- Apprentices who have gained valuable and necessary on-the-job vocational experience, skills, and knowledge over four-year placements
- School-based trainees who have completed a Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology
- University graduates who have completed three-year rotation programs embedded in on-the-ground energy sector experiences
- Business trainees who have completed one-year programs providing business support
As part of the graduation ceremony, Ethan Edwards and Sagar Kumar were jointly named Western Power’s apprentice of the year, and respectively hold qualifications as heavy mechanical and distribution line worker apprentices.
Western Power’s nationally accredited training program, delivered in assistance with registered training organisations, teaches specialised electrical, overhead linework, cable jointing and heavy mechanical skills and expertise, all of which are required for Western Australia’s energy sector.
Recruitment for the 2025 intake has begun, with successful candidates to be notified in December 2024 and begin training in January 2025.
Western Australian Energy Minister, Reece Whitby, said apprentices are critical not only to the state’s economy but to the changing energy sector.
“I want to congratulate everyone who has been trained at and has now gained employment with Western Power. The State Government is proudly committed to investing in and supporting employment for all Western Australians.
“Coupled with our promise to keep Western Power in public hands, we will always ensure Western Australians have continued access to these sorts of training and employment opportunities.”
Western Australian Training and Workforce Development Minister, Simone McGurk, said there’s no doubt the skills the Western Power trainees and apprentices are learning will put them in the box seat to take advantage of the huge amount of work available both now and in the future.
“Our government is working hard to develop a pipeline of workers needed for the clean energy transition – with more than 11,000 building, construction and electrical apprentices in training across Western Australia right now.
“I thank Western Power for investing in training and congratulate the apprentices and trainees on what will hopefully be the start of a long and rewarding career.
“There has never been a better time to get into training.”
Featured image: Western Power
