New blood for depot

Warwick’s Matthew Roach and Stanthorpe’s Brent Woods are among 72 new recruits starting work with Ergon Energy, after one of its largest intakes on record.
Matthew and Brent, who have been employed as apprentice distribution linespersons, attended a week-long induction in Brisbane, which included health, safety and environmental awareness training.
They are now undertaking their first block of technical training before starting work at the Warwick and Stanthorpe depots.
Chief executive Ian McLeod said the large intake was a wonderful achievement for the organisation, which remains strongly committed to training the workforce of tomorrow.
“The apprentices were chosen from more than 2000 applicants for the sought-after positions,” he said.
“The apprenticeships we offer each year reflect the changing needs of our 4600 strong workforce.”
Mr McLeod said the number of women undertaking trades with Ergon Energy had grown in recent years, as had the number of Indigenous apprentices.
“We’re working hard to be an employer, which reflects the diversity of the communities we serve,” he said.
Mr McLeod said the new intake included a mix of mature-aged apprentices and teenagers straight from school, along with 12 female apprentices and four Indigenous apprentices.
“Working on powerlines has traditionally been dominated by men. This year, for the first time, Ergon Energy will have four women beginning linesperson training.”
He said many of Ergon Energy’s recruits hailed from, and would continue to be based in, the smaller towns of regional Queensland.
“This means they won’t have to leave their homes to find work and they can gain valuable skills in a good, solid trade.
“We wish them the best of success as we welcome them into our workforce,” Mr McLeod said.