Newcastle-based Lily Flick has started as a first-year Transmission Line Apprentice at Transgrid

newy.com.au – Transgrid has welcomed its 2026 apprentice intake, saying a record number of new first-year apprentices have started roles across NSW to support the state’s renewable energy transition.

Twenty-nine new apprentices have joined the NSW transmission network operator, with Transgrid saying 45 per cent of the intake are women. The apprentices are based at Newcastle, Orange, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Wallgrove and Yass, working in substation, telecommunications and transmission line roles.

Transgrid said the new cohort will support the delivery and maintenance of critical transmission infrastructure across its 13,000km network, which it says powers 3.7 million households and businesses across NSW.

Transgrid Executive General Manager of Delivery Jennifer Hughes said the sector’s workforce needs were growing as Australia transitions to renewable energy. “Our apprentices are joining the organisation at a pivotal time. The work they’re training for today will underpin the energy system NSW relies on for decades to come,” Mrs Hughes said. “Building a strong pipeline of skilled workers is just as important as building new infrastructure. We need people with the right training, the right support and the confidence to build long-term careers in the energy sector. “We’re also focused on making sure those opportunities are open to more people. By creating clear pathways and inclusive programs, we’re seeing more women and First Nations apprentices choosing careers in energy, which is critical for the future of the industry.”

Newcastle-based Lily Flick has started as a first-year Transmission Line Apprentice after previously working in retail alongside painters and interior designers, and travelling while working seasonal jobs. “I was ready to settle into a career that would support me long-term,” Ms Flick said. “What attracted me to Transgrid was the range of opportunities and the diversity of the team. It’s very accepting, and I felt supported from the start.”

Wagga Wagga-based Marcus Matthews has also started as a first-year Transmission Line Apprentice after working as a driller’s assistant on projects across regional NSW, including Wagga Wagga, Mudgee and Dubbo. “I’ve always enjoyed outdoor work and travelling, so transmission line work really appealed to me,” Mr Matthews said. “I wanted to work for Transgrid because it’s the backbone of the energy system across a huge part of Australia. It’s a large organisation with a strong focus on safety and career development, and that really stood out to me.”

Transgrid said its apprenticeship program provides structured training, on-the-job experience and nationally recognised qualifications, and invited early interest for the 2027 intake via its website.