Work Experience
Work experience in Years 10, 11 and 12 can help students refine their choice of electives and further learning. It’s also an opportunity to find out what jobs are really like, make contact with employers and put classroom theory into practice.
We are proud to offer student work experience across local depots and regional offices in our network footprint. This work experience is unpaid and usually lasts around a week.
How do you apply?
Placement arrangements can be made through your high school or directly with us. Reach out to your high school career advisor or email us at [email protected] to learn more.
Shayehanie’s story
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Essential Energy in Walgett. The people who worked there were supportive of me and taught me so much about the Essential Energy organisation. I participated in lots of different tasks such as dressing poles, taking poles apart, changing the cross arms and I did a HIRAC where I signed everyone on, recorded the jobs that we did and then signed everyone off. The Walgett team had a great work culture, and I hope to work for them one day in the future.”
Shayehanie, Walgett Community College High School
School Based Traineeships
A School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeships (SBAT) is a great way for students to get a head start on their career while still at school. By choosing to do an SBAT you can gain a nationally recognised qualification as part of your Higher School Certificate (HSC). This is achieved by combining part-time work with formal training while remaining at school.
We are proud to offer School Based Traineeships for students in Year 11 and Year 12 of high school wishing to pursue a career in electrotechnology. These opportunities are made available based on business needs and training capacity, and may vary from year to year.
When available, these traineeships are two-year training programs that give you the opportunity to kick start your career and earn while you learn. With one day on the job at Essential Energy, one day studying with a Registered Training Organisation and three days at school it’s a great way to embark on your career in electrotechnology.
What do you learn and what qualifications will you gain?
As a School Based Trainee you will undertake a two-year training program, which provides an introduction to the electricity industry. You will learn what it takes to build and maintain the poles and wires that deliver electricity to our customers.
Through a combination of formal and on-the-job training, you will develop in the areas of literacy, numeracy, electrical skills and knowledge and upon completion of your HSC you will gain a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start)*. A commitment to undertake a minimum of 120 days paid employment over this two-year period is needed.
This pathway provides a clear advantage for those looking to continue their career in the electrical industry. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be offered the opportunity to apply for a position as an Apprentice Powerline Worker and gain a full trade qualification.
With more than 3,900 employees located across over 100 local depots and regional offices, Essential Energy is one of the largest employers in regional NSW. We pride ourselves on recruiting exceptional people, who are motivated and passionate about their chosen career.
* This training may be subsidised by the NSW Government.
What skills will you acquire?
- Correct use of power tools
- Construction skills in overhead power systems
- Practical skills in plant operation, including elevated work platforms
- Manual skills in using hand tools
- Electrical theory and how electrical system components work
Where are roles based?
School Based Traineeships are based at depots within our network footprint. Availability of SBAT positions relies on business needs and access to a suitable Registered Training Organisation. As a result, placements are not available in all locations each year.
How do you apply?
All current opportunities have been filled.
To find out more about School Based Apprentice and Traineeships, please speak with your high school career adviser, local SBAT officer or Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) officer. They can help you explore whether a SBAT may be suitable for you and provide more details about the requirements of the program.
You will need to hold a current white card (general construction induction card) before beginning a field based SBAT.
Jay’s story
