newy.com.au – Transgrid has opened applications for its 2027 Apprentice Program, with Newcastle among the locations offering roles in the high-voltage electricity network.
The program is aimed at school leavers, career changers and regional jobseekers seeking a trade pathway, nationally recognised qualifications and hands-on work in the energy sector as NSW expands renewable energy infrastructure.
The new intake follows Transgrid’s record apprentice intake this year, with 29 first-year apprentices working across regional NSW in substation, telecommunications and transmission line roles. Women made up 45 per cent of the first-year group.
Transgrid Executive General Manager of Delivery Jennifer Hughes said the scale of the clean energy transition was creating demand for new skills across the network.
“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 work on the maintenance and expansion of Transgrid’s high-voltage network and may also be involved in major infrastructure projects including EnergyConnect, HumeLink and the NSW section of VNI West. The program includes technical training, face-to-face learning and mentoring from industry professionals.
One of the program’s Newcastle faces is Maya Boeren, a fourth-year Telecommunications Apprentice who entered the trade looking for practical work and found herself drawn to the size of the task ahead.
“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.”
The program is also highlighting pathways for people already in the workforce. Orange resident April Rich completed Transgrid’s 2024 Pre-Apprenticeship Program and is now a second-year Transmission Line Apprentice, while Richard Crawford, now a Secondary Systems Technician in Orange, joined the program after years in other work.
Applications for the 2027 Apprentice Program are open now, with roles available at Newcastle, Orange, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Wallgrove and Yass. More information is available at www.transgrid.com.au/careers/apprentice-program.
