Start your trade career with us
Earn while you learn, build practical skills, and help keep regional NSW connected.
An Essential Energy apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to develop a skilled trade while supporting the communities that rely on us every day. You will gain real world experience, with structured award-winning training, and the support of experienced teams who are committed to your success. Help shape a safer, smarter and more sustainable energy future for regional, rural and remote NSW.
Apply now for 2027
Take the first step towards a meaningful career.
Applications close on Sunday 12 July 2026.
Start date: January 2027.
Ask Us Anything sessions
Join our online Ask Us Anything sessions to learn more about our apprenticeship opportunities and the application process. You’ll hear directly from our team, get practical advice and have the chance to ask questions in a supportive, open environment.
Register for session 1: Wednesday 17 July at 5:00pm
Register for session 2: Thursday 2 July at 5:00pm
About our apprenticeships
Build a long term career that matters in your community, with a team you can rely on.
An apprenticeship is a four-year paid pathway into a skilled trade. You will learn on the job, complete structured training and work toward a nationally recognised qualification at the heart of the energy industry, while contributing to essential services in your community.
Our apprenticeships are ideal for people who:
- enjoy practical, hands-on work
- like learning from others and working as part of a team
- are interested in working outdoors or in technical environments
- want to make a positive difference in their community as part of a long term, meaningful career.
Many roles involve outdoor work, physical tasks and travel for training. Safety is a core part of everything we do.
You do not need to have all the answers before you start. What matters is a willingness to learn, follow safe work practices and contribute to a supportive team environment.
Training includes block periods away from your home location. All associated travel and accommodation costs are covered by Essential Energy.
Choose your trade
Powerline Worker Apprenticeship
Includes First Nations and Female Identified roles.
Build, maintain and improve the poles and wires that keeps communities connected. This role suits people who enjoy outdoor work, physical challenges, teamwork and working at heights.
Cable Jointer (Electrical Trade)
Includes Female Identified roles.
Construct, install and maintain underground and associated electrical equipment. This role suits people who enjoy detailed, technical work and solving practical problems.
Zone Substation Electrical Technician (Electrical Trade)
Includes Female Identified roles.
Co-ordinate/manage the construction and maintenance of Zone Substations and the installation, commissioning and testing of Zone Substation equipment. This role suits people interested in electrical systems, testing and asset performance.
Mechanical Fleet Technician (Mechanical Trade)
Maintain a wide range of vehicles and specialised equipment our teams rely on every day, including heavy vehicles, elevated work platforms and cranes. This role suits people interested in mechanics, tools and workshop-based work.
Inclusive opportunities
We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, respected and supported to succeed.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and life stages, including women, First Nations peoples, school leavers and those looking to start a new career.
We are focused on building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve and creating meaningful pathways into trade careers across regional, rural and remote NSW.
First Nations identified roles are available through a dedicated application pathway. These positions are open to applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, in line with Essential Energy’s exemption under section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
Female identified roles are available in selected trades to support greater gender diversity in non-traditional roles. These positions are open to applicants who identify as female, in line with Essential Energy’s exemption under section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
We actively support workplace adjustments throughout the recruitment process and employment. This includes alternative application formats and accessibility support.
We are proud to be:
- an endorsed employer with WORK180
- certified as a Family Inclusive Workplace by Family Friendly Workplaces.
These recognitions reflect our commitment to building an inclusive, flexible and supportive workplace for our people and the communities we serve.
What you will earn
Our apprentices are paid from day one, with structured increases each year.
Apprentice - under 18 years
Hourly rate : $21.77
Weekly (hourly x 36) : $783.61
Annual salary (excluding super) : $40,904.28
Annual salary (including 17% super) : $47,858.01
Apprentice – 18 years and over
Hourly rate : $43.31
Weekly (hourly x 36) : $1558.99
Annual salary (excluding super) : $81,379.43
Annual salary (including 17% super) : $95,213.94
Note: Rate as of 1 July 2026, with yearly CPI changes in line with the relevant Enterprise Agreement. Pay progression occurs at the end of each year of apprenticeship for Apprentices under the age of 18. All costs associated with travelling for training and work are covered by Essential Energy.
Recruitment process
Our recruitment process is designed to be clear and supportive at every step.
- Apply online
- Complete online and work readiness assessments, including video interview
- Attend an in-person assessment day
- Undertake pre-employment checks
- Receive an outcome
Please ensure you monitor your email throughout the process and select email as your preferred contact method. Find out more about the recruitment process.
Learn more
Explore what it’s like to work with us and how we support our people. Read more about the benefits of working with us.
