Applications have now closed for our 2025 Apprenticeship program.
Do you desire a technically demanding career and like working outdoors in a crew?
A Zone Substation Electrical Technician Apprenticeship could be your perfect career opening.
A Zone Substation Electrical Technician Apprenticeship is a four-year program - a combination of formal TAFE training and on-the-job experience. For training purposes, you may be required to spend periods on rotation at different locations, exploring our footprint and gaining workplace experience.
What do you learn and what qualifications will you gain?
You will have access to the latest training to ensure your skills and knowledge are at the forefront of the industry, completing a Certificate III in Electrotechnology - Electrician, comprising of subjects in Work Health and Safety, Power System Components, Power Distribution and electrical drawing interpretation to provide you with the strongest foundation to power your career.
You will work in a team of highly skilled and qualified Zone Substation Electrical Technicians who are passionate about working to keep the lights on in their local communities. You will gain invaluable on-the-job training in the areas of plant safety practices, science and materials and operation and maintenance of essential electrical zone substation components.
Safety is the number one priority at Essential Energy, and to ensure you are kept safe you will be supervised in every aspect of your work while being mentored and taught safe work practices.
You will be trained and qualified in numerous SafeWork NSW High Risk Licences and other industry accredited operations, such as Elevated Work Platform Operations, Traffic Controlling, Forklift Operations, 20 tonne Crane Operations and Dogging and upgrade of Drivers licence (if required).
What skills will you acquire?
- electric and gas welding
- knowledge of how to operate, maintain and repair HV switchgear and transformers
- correct use of power tools (e.g. drills, saws and grinders)
- ability to interpret civil and electrical drawings
- safe use of test equipment
- construction skills such as concreting, rigging and cable installation
- manual skills in using hand tools (spanners etc)
- wiring of lighting, power and control equipment
- driving and reversing with a trailer.
What skills will I need to be an Apprentice Zone Substation Technician?
- White card
- Drivers licence and willingness to upgrade to HR (supported by Essential Energy)
- All our apprentice positions are physical roles, and you will be required to maintain a level of physical fitness with the ability to lift, carry, push and pull up to 20kg (34kg two person carry) and stand for extended periods of time. Tasks will involve actions such as squatting, bending, twisting, kneeling, shovelling, walking, crouching, and balancing.
- You will require upper limb strength and endurance to undertake tasks including carrying and stabilising ladders, climbing, reaching overhead, and working at heights for periods of time.
How much will I earn as an Apprentice?
| Position | Weekly Pay Rate | Plus 16% Superannuation | Total Weekly Remuneration* |
| Apprentice - under 21 years^ | $674.58 | $107.93 | $782.51 |
| Apprentice - 21 years and over | $1,342.77 | $214.84 | $1,557.61 |
Note: Rate as of 1 July 2023, with yearly CPI changes in line with the relevant Enterprise Agreement.
*Allowances are paid in addition to this amount. All costs associated with travelling for training and work are paid for by Essential Energy.
^Pay progression occurs at the end of each year of apprenticeship.
