Date: 27 Jul 2026
Location:
Virginia, AU
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Work type: Apprentice Program
Category: Apprenticeships, Traineeships and Graduates
Req ID: 8586
Apprentice possibilities start with us.
Join our Secondary Systems team of experts in bringing critical infrastructure to life. From maintaining and upgrading protection and metering, to supporting projects across the network.
This is a field-based apprenticeship with extensive on-the-job learning, industry-leading supervision, and nationally recognised qualifications.
On completion of the four-year program, you’ll achieve a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820) and qualify for an electrical licence.
It is mandatory to complete further study – either an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering, commencing during your 4-year apprenticeship.
Working on a 9-day roster, you will travel across Queensland with your team, earning while you learn from industry leaders in a supportive and collaborative environment
Why choose a Secondary Systems Electrical Trade Apprenticeship?
Based in Brisbane, you’ll work as part of a specialist team delivering protection and control outcomes for Powerlink’s high‑voltage plant and equipment across Queensland.
This stream is built for continual learning and advanced technology, preparing you to work on protection systems that keep Queensland’s high‑voltage transmission network safe and reliable.
A competitive salary: Secondary Systems Apprenticeships with mandatory tertiary study start from $80,509 + 14.75% (for school leavers and under 21 years of age) and $92,082 + 14.75% (over 21 years of age)
Annual incremental salary increases, with a range of allowances and financial benefits, including living away from home and other entitlements
Working hands-on, indoors and outdoors, connecting our customers to live HV substations and testing primary plant under strong safety systems and supervision
Travelling to regional and remote sites as needed, including frequent time away from home and some overtime
Working at heights (up to 15 metres) when required
Completing nationally accredited training at TAFE and study to meet apprenticeship timeframes. All tuition costs are covered by us
Commencing your engineering pathway by starting your Associate Degree/Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering within the required timeframes
The Program.
Over a structured four-year apprenticeship, you’ll learn to test, fault-find and commission protection and control functions for high-voltage plant and equipment, using smart digital gear and complex electrical systems.
You’ll work safely alongside specialist supervisors on Powerlink’s primary plant, supporting the operation, maintenance, upgrades and commissioning of substations across Queensland.
With on-the-job learning and training at TAFE, you’ll build trade skills and complete your Certificate III on time, with pathways to an Advanced Diploma.
This apprenticeship involves working across hybrid and varied environments and is active, challenging and rewarding. It’s well suited to people who enjoy practical work, problem solving, teamwork and a safety focused environment where no two days are the same.
You’ll also complete internal and external training including but not limited to:
First aid certificate and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate
High risk work licences (including elevated work platform, rigging and dogging, and forklift)
Defensive driving
Technical training
What you'll need by January 2027:
A manual licence and your own vehicle to travel to site when required
Live within 50 km of your nominated point of hire
For school leavers, a pass in Year 12 English and Maths methods or Specialist Maths and any science
For over 21, no educational pre-requisites required
Find your possibility today:
To kick start your career at Powerlink, apply by clicking the button above, attaching your resume and cover letter on our careers page before midnight on Sunday 16 August 2026.
To learn more, head to our website. For all enquiries or to request support, or adjustments contact the recruitment team at
[email protected]
We’d love to learn about you through the stages of this application process. We understand that digital tools and AI help you, however please ensure your final responses reflect your own experiences and motivations in your own words. This helps us get to know you and assess your application fairly.
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You are welcome here.
You are welcome here at Powerlink, regardless of sex, race, culture, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity.
As part of our Reconciliation Action Plan, we’re committed to building long-term employment opportunities for First Nations peoples. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
As a Veteran Employment Supporter, we highly value the skills Veterans bring. Let us know if you're a Veteran for tailored support.
Successful applicants will undergo necessary pre-employment checks. As part of our commitment to maintaining a positive candidate experience, we pledge to provide a timely response to all applicants.
Powerlink acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the skies, lands, and waters of Queensland and in particular, the lands on which we operate.
