Job Summary Table of Electrical Apprenticeships

Job Description Summary

Essential Energy is offering 2026 apprenticeship opportunities for Powerline Workers, Cable Jointers, and Zone Substation Electrical Technicians across multiple regional locations in Australia, providing hands-on training in the evolving energy industry with nationally recognized qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain electrical infrastructure (poles, wires, underground cables, or substation equipment depending on role)
• Complete on-the-job training alongside classroom education in a four-year structured program
• Travel for blocks of training when undertaking classroom components (costs covered by Essential Energy)
• Maintain physical fitness to perform various tasks including lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 20kg (34kg for two-person carry)
• Perform physical activities including squatting, bending, twisting, kneeling, shoveling, walking, crouching, balancing, and working at heights
• Contribute to delivering reliable electricity services to regional, rural, and remote communities
• Adapt to new and emerging energy generation technologies while meeting customer energy needs

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive remuneration with 16% superannuation
• Award-winning apprenticeship program (2024 Australian Training Awards winner)
• Fitness Passport program
• Apple, JB Hi-Fi, and Dell Employee Purchase Programs
• 26 weeks paid parental leave for both primary and secondary carers
• Supportive and inclusive team environment
• Nationally recognized qualification upon completion
• Opportunity to make positive contributions to local communities

Company Overview

Essential Energy is a leading provider of electricity network services to regional, rural, and remote communities in Australia. Recognized as a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for All Women, the organization values diversity, inclusion, and employee wellbeing while delivering essential energy services. Essential Energy is committed to innovation and adaptation in the rapidly evolving energy industry, working to deliver the energy of the future to those who need it today.

Electrical Apprenticeships: Powering the Future with Essential Energy

Unique Opportunity in Electrical Apprenticeships with Essential Energy

Essential Energy’s 2026 apprenticeship intake represents an exceptional opportunity to begin your career in the electrical trades industry with a nationally recognized leader in energy provision. These four-year structured programs combine hands-on experience with classroom learning, providing apprentices with comprehensive training in their chosen electrical specialization while earning income from day one.

The organization’s commitment to excellence in training was recently validated when their Apprenticeship Program received national recognition at the 2024 Australian Training Awards. This prestigious acknowledgment underscores Essential Energy’s dedication to developing highly skilled tradespersons equipped to navigate the evolving energy landscape.

Three Distinct Electrical Apprenticeships Paths Available

Essential Energy is offering apprenticeships across three specialized electrical trades for their 2026 intake:

🔋 Powerline Worker Apprenticeships

Powerline Workers form the backbone of electrical infrastructure, building and maintaining the poles and wires that deliver electricity to communities. These apprentices will develop expertise in overhead electrical systems and learn to work safely at heights while ensuring reliable power delivery.

2026 Locations: Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Forbes, Gunnedah, Hillston, Leeton, Lismore, Mudgee, Port Macquarie, Quirindi, Tamworth, and West Wyalong.

🔌 Cable Jointer Apprenticeships

Cable Jointers specialize in underground electrical infrastructure, focusing on the construction, installation, and maintenance of underground cables and associated electrical equipment. These apprentices will become experts in ensuring the integrity and performance of underground electrical distribution systems.

2026 Locations: Bathurst and Orange.

⚡ Zone Substation Electrical Technician Apprenticeships

These specialized technicians coordinate the construction and maintenance of Zone Substations, including the installation, commissioning, and testing of substation equipment. Apprentices in this role will develop advanced technical skills in managing complex electrical infrastructure that forms critical nodes in the power distribution network.

2026 Locations: Bega, Grafton, Tweed Heads, and Wagga.

Physical Requirements for Electrical Apprenticeships Success

All apprenticeship positions at Essential Energy demand a certain level of physical capability. Successful candidates must maintain good physical fitness and demonstrate:

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 20kg (or 34kg for two-person carries)
• Capacity to stand for extended periods
• Comfort with physical tasks involving squatting, bending, twisting, kneeling, shoveling, walking, crouching, and balancing
• Upper limb strength and endurance for carrying and stabilizing ladders, climbing, reaching overhead, and working at heights for extended periods

Company Culture and Commitment to Diversity

Essential Energy champions an inclusive workplace culture where employee voices are valued, autonomy is empowered, and diversity is recognized as a strength. The organization prioritizes employee wellbeing alongside professional development, creating an environment where apprentices can thrive personally and professionally.

As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for All Women, Essential Energy is actively working to increase female representation in traditionally male-dominated trades. These apprenticeship positions are identified positions specifically for female applicants, in accordance with Essential Energy’s exemption under section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

Career Growth Opportunities in Electrical Trades

Completing an apprenticeship with Essential Energy opens doors to numerous career advancement opportunities in the rapidly evolving energy sector. Graduates gain:

• Nationally recognized qualifications
• Practical industry experience with a leading energy provider
• Foundation skills adaptable to new and emerging energy technologies
• Pivotal roles in delivering essential services to communities

Application Process for 2026 Electrical Apprenticeships

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date of Sunday, 25 May 2025, at 11:55pm. Essential Energy will be holding several online “Ask us Anything” sessions where potential applicants can bring questions about the Apprenticeship program.

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must: 1. Have Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency status 2. Identify as female (as these are identified positions under section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977)

For further inquiries, contact careers@essentialenergy.com.au or call 1800 255 777.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Essential Energy is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive workplace, strongly encouraging applications regardless of age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The organization champions inclusivity and celebrates the differences in all employees, recognizing that diversity strengthens their capability to serve diverse communities.

How to Apply

For complete details and to submit your application, visit the LinkedIn job posting or Essential Energy’s website before the May 25, 2025 deadline.

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