The Finocchiaro CLP Government has welcomed 8 new apprentices beginning their career with Power and Water.
Minister for Essential Services Steve Edgington said the new workers would be spread across the Territory.
The 5 apprentices in Darwin, 2 in Alice Springs and 1 in Tennant Creek join 35 current apprentices across 4 fields, 9 graduates, 7 business trainees, and 2 water operation trainee who are already part of the Power and Water team.
Power and Water has partnered with GTNT to host apprentices and trainees for more than 30 years, with the partnership a huge success. In 2025, there were more than 400 applications for the Power and Water roles.
"Growing our workforce is part of the CLP Government's Rebuild the Economy Strategy and remains a key focus as we move into 2026.
"Power and Water keeps the Territory running, which is why we're investing in the people who will carry it forward," Mr Edgington said.
Minister for Education and Training, Jo Hersey, said: "By investing in local talent and trades, we're creating jobs and rebuilding the Territory economy."
"We're reforming secondary education to create better career pathways to real jobs, by providing more school-based apprenticeships and vocational training opportunities in schools," Mrs Hersey said.
Power and Water Early Careers Program Advisor, Peter Morrison-Evans, said it's always exciting to welcome enthusiastic new people to the team.
'Every new group brings fresh enthusiasm and ideas that strengthen how we operate and serve our communities,' he said.
'Watching their confidence and skills develop over the years is one of the best parts of this program. It's a reminder of how much potential we have right here in the Territory.'
Power and Water launched a new recruitment process in 2024 as part of a strategic initiative to continuously build and maintain a high level of skilled, in-house expertise across the organisation.
Shortlisted apprenticeship and trainee candidates participate in an assessment centre, where they are evaluated through group activities, individual practical tasks and written exercises. This gives a holistic view of their strengths and skills.
At 45, Power and Water administration officer Helen Marsh will be the oldest apprentice, but feels her maturity, patience and hunger to learn will stand her in good stead as she swaps her office gear for high vis.
'I've been in admin for about 23 years, 13 of those with Power and Water here in Tennant Creek. I felt it was time to do something completely different, and this is a great opportunity for me to do that while staying in Tennant, which I love,' she said.
'It will be a big learning curve and feels daunting at times, but I'm excited about learning new things and being out in the field as a line worker. People within the organisation have been so supportive and I've received a lot of encouragement.'
Joshua Jipp, 24, has gained an apprenticeship as an electrician. After six years working in mechanics and light vehicle technology he decided to make the change last year.
'I originally went with mechanics because it was my hobby, but I found that I was losing my passion for working on my own cars,' he said.
'I'm really interested in electrics, and the problem-solving side fascinates me. It's good when you can figure something out and then step back and look at the job you've done.'
The cohort of new apprentices will start their four-year nationally accredited apprenticeship program through the GTNT Group this month. They will learn specialised skills and training in electrical, mechanical and linework fields across Power and Water.
