Essential Energy has marked 20 years of training apprentices and trainees for regional NSW, with around 100 graduates completing programs that help build the skills needed to maintain and modernise one of Australia’s largest electricity distribution networks.

The latest cohort of 99 graduates was recognised in Orange on Thursday night, including 34 apprentices, 21 trainees and 44 post-trade apprentices who have completed programs combining formal qualifications with hands-on experience across Essential Energy's network.

The milestone recognises Essential Energy’s long-term role as a registered training organisation and its nationally recognised apprenticeship program, which supports practical, regionally based pathways for people starting or progressing careers in the energy industry. The program has also received national recognition through the Australian Training Awards.

Essential Energy Chief Operations, People and Safety Officer Amalie Smith said the milestone reflected the importance of building practical skills close to the communities Essential Energy serves.

"Behind every powerline, pole, transformer and customer connection are highly trained and dedicated people doing work communities rely on every day," Amalie said.

The 2026 intake of apprentices and trainees also includes 25 women and 25 First Nations employees, reflecting ongoing efforts to attract talented people from a broad range of backgrounds into the energy industry.

Cooma powerline worker Cameron Johnson was awarded the coveted Overall Apprentice of the Year title.

Trainers described him as one of the standout apprentices they had worked with, praising his work ethic, leadership and commitment to learning.

A natural leader, he earned the respect of fellow apprentices, tradespeople and trainers through his willingness to support others and consistently model safe, professional work practices.

Judges also recognised Cameron's outstanding academic performance and that he was also recognised as a finalist in the NSW Training Awards.

Mary Webster, from Bathurst, was among the top-performing powerline apprentices in the state and has been recognised as Essential Energy's Female Apprentice/Trainee of the Year.

Trainers said she consistently approached every training block with enthusiasm and determination, earning strong results through hard work, initiative and a willingness to get involved.

Several graduates have already earned recognition beyond Essential Energy, including Western NSW Apprentice of the Year and NSW Training Awards state finalist Jack De Freitas. He won the David Britten Award for Peer Excellence on the night.

Recruitment for the 2027 program has recently ended with more than 2200 applications for about 40 roles across regional NSW.

Essential Energy’s apprenticeships are a long-term investment in regional NSW, creating local careers and helping build the technical capability communities will need for decades to come.

Across a network spanning 95 per cent of NSW, practical skills and local knowledge are essential to keeping regional communities connected.

"Training apprentices and trainees locally helps maintain the pipeline of skilled, safety-focused people regional communities will rely on as experienced workers retire over time," Amalie said.

Full list of winners:

• Cameron Johnson — Overall Apprentice/Trainee of the Year and Southern Region Apprentice Powerline Worker of the Year
• Coen Gleeson — Powerline Worker Dux of the Year
• Daniel Stephens — Central Region Apprentice Powerline Worker of the Year
• Joel Kachel and Carter Young — Excellence in Safety, Culture and Community Award
• Mary Webster — Female Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
• Amos Colburn — First Nations Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
• Jack De Freitas — David Britten Award for Peer Excellence
• Mike Ingwersen — Asset Inspector Trainee of the Year
• Sam Elliott — North Coast Apprentice Powerline Worker of the Year
• Joshua Clout — Post-Trade Cable Jointer of the Year
• Luke Donnelly — Post-Trade Powerline Worker of the Year