- Publicly owned energy utilities providing more than 100 training and apprenticeship opportunities
- McGowan Government supporting job creation in the energy sector
Energy Minister Ben Wyatt has today highlighted the value of publicly owned Western Power, Horizon Power and Synergy in growing and training Western Australia's future workforce.
Since coming into power in 2017, the McGowan Labor Government has supported these utilities to provide more than 100 opportunities for Western Australians to train for an energy future at any stage of their educational life.
Western Power currently has 15 apprenticeships in electrical trades to match the future growth demands of the network and customer demands, as well as 10 graduate programs for both engineering and non-engineering areas of the energy supply chain.
Also up to 20 TAFE pre-apprenticeship electrical scholarships were offered through regional campuses that have removed barriers for regional Western Australians to begin their electrical trade journey.
Western Power also offered five School to Work program placements to graduates from various industries to access world-class experts and to gain real-world application of their learnings.
Horizon Power continues to provide opportunities in the regions with more than 40 apprenticeships and traineeships or work placement positions being undertaken this year.
This includes nine Pilbara Grid employees who have just completed adult apprenticeships in the Certificate III ESI Distribution Cable Jointing trade qualification.
In addition to these positions, Synergy currently employs 13 apprentices on the Muja site.
The utilities' understanding of the issues facing the energy sector has delivered a realistic and reliable blueprint that substantially supports local jobs across the State.
As noted by Energy Minister Ben Wyatt:
"One of the reasons that the McGowan Government fought to keep Western Power in public hands was because it would allow us to retain an influence over the training focus of the utility.
"It is very pleasing to see the levels of training far surpassing our previous expectations and this reflects the McGowan Government's commitment to jobs.
"Importantly, the scholarships through regional TAFE has allowed regional students to pursue their passions and desires in the energy sector.
"The McGowan Labor Government is proud to have WA jobs as our number one priority and we will continue to work hard and focus on delivering more jobs to WA."
