Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who can apply for the EnergyAustralia Apprenticeship Program?
Q2. How can I apply?
Q3. What kind of apprenticeships do EnergyAustralia offer?
Q4. What kind of work would I be involved in as an apprentice?
Q5. Do you support TAFE and other studies?
Q6. Where would I be based?
Q7. Am I guaranteed a job at the end of the Apprenticeship Program?
Q8. What’s the starting salary?
Q9. How much superannuation does EnergyAustralia contribute for apprentices?
Q10. Do I get any holidays?
Q11. What are the career opportunities like?
Q12. What is the selection process for the Program?
Q13. When are the pre-selection tests held?
Q14. What skills are tested at the interview?
Q15. When would I start?
Q1. Who can apply for the EnergyAustralia Apprenticeship Program?
Whether you’re a school leaver or a mature age applicant looking for a career change, we’d be interested in hearing from you. You’ll need to have completed your high school studies (years 10, 11 or 12) and have sound maths and communication skills.
Q2. How can I apply?
All candidates must first sit a pre-selection test first. Registrations for the test for our 2009 intake are now closed and we will not be seeking new candidates until mid 2009.
Q3. What kind of apprenticeships do EnergyAustralia offer?
We’ve got five different options:
Powerworker - Linework
If you’re active, love the outdoors, and will enjoy working at treetop level, then this is for you. You’ll learn how to build, improve and maintain the poles and wires that deliver electricity to our customers, at both high and low voltages. You’ll also work on street lighting and communication systems. You’ll gain a truck licence and become skilled in the operation of plant and equipment associated with your role.
Powerworker - Cable Jointing
If you’re after work that’s outdoors and hands-on, this apprenticeship is for you. Working in small teams, you’ll look after the underground cables that are an integral part of our electricity network. You’ll learn to join and terminate high and low voltage underground cables and work with communication cables. You’ll also get a truck licence and become skilled in the operation of plant and equipment associated with your role.
Electrical Mechanic
This apprenticeship is for anyone who is good at solving problems and using their mathematical mind. Electrical mechanics mainly work on the electrical equipment in our substations as well as light, power and data circuits. You’ll learn to install, test and fix electrical equipment to help maintain our electrical distribution network. You will also pick up new skills such as welding and computer aided drawing, and become a licensed electrician.
Motor Mechanic - Heavy Vehicles
If you’re interested in what’s underneath the bonnet, this is the apprenticeship for you. Our motor mechanics help look after all the vehicles, trucks and plant in our company. You’ll get to work on a wide range of motors used in our industry and learn practical skills in fixing and maintaining heavy vehicles. You will also get a truck licence.
Mechanical Fitter/Machinist
You will acquire skills and knowledge in a wide range of mechanical applications, in both workshop and field environments. You will work on machines, sub-assemblies and manufactured parts using a range of processes, tools and machines. You will learn how to operate a wide variety of machines used to repair and manufacture components used on EnergyAustralia’s network that are not easily obtained or need to be modified before use. The processes used will include turning, boring, milling, planing, shaping, slotting, grinding or drilling metal stock or components.
Q4. 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. Find out more about:
Q5. Do you support TAFE and other studies?
EnergyAustralia will pay those TAFE fees required to complete your apprenticeship. 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.
Q6. Where would I be based?
For your initial training, you’ll be based at a specialised 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.
Q7. 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 our technical teams for the future and offer many career opportunities, most continue working with us when they have graduated.
Q8. 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 19 December 2007)
Salary for Apprentices under 21 years at commencing date
Year One $463.40 per week
Year Two $563.03 per week
Year Three $652.00 per week
Year Four $715.26 per week
Salary for Apprentices who are 21 years and over at commencing date
Year One $591.34 per week
Year Two $652.00 per week
Year Three $684.40 per week
Year Four $715.26 per week
Download list of starting salaries
Q9. What is EnergyAustralia’s contribution to superannuation for its apprentices?
EnergyAustralia’s contribution to superannuation is 13% (from 19 December 2007). All our apprentices will receive the compulsory 9% employee financed superannuation and EnergyAustralia pays an additional 4% above requirements, totalling 13%.
Q10. 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).
Q11. 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.
Find out more about Apprenticeship Career Pathways.
Q12. 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. You’ll need to bring photo ID, a biro pen (and spare pen) to the test. Calculators are not allowed and mobile telephones must be switched off.
If you are invited to an interview, we’ll ask you questions relating to those skills required for the position.
Q13. When are the pre-selection tests held?
Registrations for the test for our 2009 intake has now closed. Please visit our website in 2009 for more information about starting with us in 2010.
Q14. 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
- Show an interest in the chosen trade
Q15. When would I start?
Our next intake of apprentices will commence in January 2009.