Apprentice Program Powers Up

Illawarra Mercury

Friday August 3, 2007

By the Mercury's Business Editor GREG ELLIS

INTEGRAL Energy continued its commitment to skills development in the power industry yesterday by calling for applications from its 2008 apprentice intake.

The energy provider took on 64 apprentices aged between 16 and 32 last year and is looking for another 62 in 2008.

Corporations technical training manager David Campbell encouraged people from school leavers to mature workers to consider applying.

He said there had never been a better time to work in the booming energy sector.

"We're making a record investment in our electricity network of just over $1 billion between now and 2009, to meet the changing energy needs of the communities we serve.

"A key part of our investment in the future means supporting the next generation of electricity workers who will fill a range of trades and be based from Nowra to western Sydney to Lithgow."

Fourth-year power line apprentice Brad Murray, 27, of Dapto, said he worked with a 38-year-old who had started his apprenticeship at the same.

Before starting his apprenticeship, Brad worked in a supermarket. Yesterday we caught up with him at the new $19 million Mt Ousley electricity substation which is being built to supply 7500 Illawarra homes, businesses and the University of Wollongong with a more secure power supply.

Brad sees an apprenticeship at Integral as a long-term career prospect. The variety of indoor and outdoor work above and below the ground was a real attraction for people interested in a job with lots of diversity, he said.

"You might be in a different place every day of the week.

"You are always doing something different."

Brad said the other great thing about being involved in such a large intake was the number of other apprentices involved who were in a similar position.

"It is definitely an advantage," he said.

"We do all our training together as a group so we can work together and help each other out if we need to."

Successful applicants will undergo four years of comprehensive training and practical experience working full-time in the field.

Integral Energy is looking for 45 distribution power line apprentices, 15 electricians and two instrument fitters.

Registrations close on August 18 - further information at www.integral.com.au/apprentices.

Rhys Tanner, 19, of Kiama Downs is a second-year apprentice who applied straight after school.

He said it was important for people applying to not be scared of heights and to be willing to work in all types of weather conditions.

© 2007 Illawarra Mercury

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