Applications open for Transgrid’s 2027 Apprentice Program

The program is coming off the back of this year’s record intake – 29 first-year apprentices, 45 per cent of them women – working across regional NSW in substation, telecommunications and transmission line roles.
Transgrid’s Executive General Manager of Delivery Jennifer Hughes said that there has never been a better time to start out in energy as NSW’s is in the middle of the deep 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,” Ms 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.”

Apprentices gain hands-on experience maintaining and expanding 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.

Orange resident April Rich completed Transgrid’s 2024 Pre-Apprenticeship Program and instantly knew she had found her fit. Now a second-year Transmission Line Apprentice, she is part of the growing number of women making their mark in the industry.

“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,” said Ms Rich, who previously worked in the mining sector but saw the energy industry as a better long-term fit.”

“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 who came to the trade looking for practical, hands-on work, 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.”

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,” Mr 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.”

Applications for the 2027 Apprentice Program are open now, with roles at Newcastle, Orange, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Wallgrove and Yass.