Join Essential Energy in 2027 as an Apprentice! Apprenticeships are four-year structured programs that offer you the best of work and study. You learn on the job as well as in the classroom to become a qualified tradesperson with a fantastic head start in your chosen career. In an apprenticeship with Essential Energy, you will gain hands-on experience in the ever evolving energy industry.
We are unique
Grow your career with an organisation that values your voice, empowers your autonomy, recognises the strength in diversity, and prioritises your wellbeing while offering attractive remuneration and benefits. Take pride in having a meaningful impact on regional, rural and remote communities while being a pivotal player in the energy industry's future.
Enjoy genuine work-life balance and access to training and development opportunities across a diverse range of career pathways.
About our Apprenticeship program
Our four-year apprenticeships combine hands-on work with structured training, giving you the best of both worlds - earning while you learn.
You’ll gain practical, on-the-job experience alongside classroom learning, setting you up with a nationally recognised qualification and a strong foundation for your career in the energy industry.
Our apprenticeships for 2027 include:
Powerline Workers
Powerline Workers build and maintain the poles and wires that deliver electricity to our communities.
Essential Energy has opportunities available for Powerline Worker Apprenticeships in the following locations in 2027:
Albury, Ballina, Berrigan, Boorowa, Coolamon, Coonamble, Cootamundra, Cowra, Dunedoo, Gloucester, Grafton, Guyra, Nambucca Heads, Oberon, Tumbarumba, Wagga Wagga, Warren, Yass
Female-identified locations in 2027:
Cowra, Grafton
Cable Jointers
Cable Jointers construct, install and maintain underground and associated electrical equipment that delivers electricity to our communities.
Essential Energy has opportunities for Cable Jointer Apprenticeships in the following locations in 2027:
Bathurst, Ewingsdale, Lismore, Port Macquarie, Taree, Wagga Wagga
Female-identified locations in 2027:
Albury
Zone Substation Electrical Technicians
Zone Substation Electrical Technicians are responsible for the coordination and management of construction and maintenance of Zone Substations, and the installation, commissioning and testing of equipment.
Essential Energy has opportunities for Zone Substation Electrical Technician Apprenticeships in the following locations in 2027:
Dubbo, Moruya, Orange, Queanbeyan, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga
Female-identified locations in 2027:
Dubbo, Wagga Wagga
Mechanical Fleet Technicians
Mechanical Fleet Technicians work as part of a supportive team of highly skilled Technicians on a variety of fleet assets, including heavy vehicles, elevated work platforms, mobile cranes, heavy and light vehicles, and electrical vehicles.
Essential Energy have opportunities available for Fleet Technician Apprenticeships in the following locations in 2027:
Coffs Harbour and Orange
About You
You're someone who is:
- Motivated to start a hands-on career
- Interested in working outdoors
- Keen to learn and develop new skills
Looking to make a positive impact in your local community
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All of our apprentice positions are physical roles and you will be required to maintain a level of physical fitness with the ability to lift, carry push and pull up to 20kg (34kg for a two person carry) and stand for extended periods of time. Tasks will involve actions such as squatting, bending, twisting, kneeling, shovelling, walking, crouching and balancing.
You will require upper limb strength and endurance to undertake tasks including, carrying and stabilising ladders, climbing, reaching overhead and working at heights for extended periods of time.
Inclusive opportunities
We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, respected and supported to succeed.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and life stages, including women, First Nations peoples, school leavers and those looking to start a new career.
We are focused on building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve and creating meaningful pathways into trade careers across regional, rural and remote NSW.
First Nations identified roles are available through a dedicated application pathway. These positions are open to applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, in line with Essential Energy’s exemption under section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
Female identified roles are available in selected trades to support greater gender diversity in non-traditional roles. These positions are open to applicants who identify as female, in line with Essential Energy’s exemption under section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
We actively support workplace adjustments throughout the recruitment process and employment. This includes alternative application formats and accessibility support.
Why Essential Energy
We offer competitive remuneration commensurate with skills and experience and 17% superannuation. For 2027, our apprentice rates are:
- Under 18 years; $40,904.28 + 17% superannuation
18 years and over: $81,379.43 + 17% superannuation
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Note: Rate as of 1 July 2026, with yearly CPI changes in line with the relevant Enterprise Agreement.
* All costs associated with travelling for training and work are paid for by Essential Energy.
^ Pay progression occurs at the end of each year of apprenticeship for Apprentices under the age of 18.
Employee Benefits
Essential Energy provides employees with a broad range of employee benefits including relocation assistance, health and wellbeing programs and various discounts through our corporate partnerships with organisations such as Optus, JB HI FI, Mildura Health Fund and nib. For more information on our benefits, please visit the employee benefits page .
We are proud to be recognised as a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for All Women .
An energy network doesn’t just keep the lights on… it’s a living network that needs to adapt to new and emerging energy generation technologies while still meeting the energy needs of customers.
It requires innovation, commitment, and collaboration to bring people together to solve the energy delivery challenges of the modern world.
Your potential will be realised, and you’ll feel a real sense of purpose and satisfaction knowing you have a pivot role to play in delivering the energy of the future to the people who need it today.
To be eligible to apply, you must have Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent resident status.
For further information please contact Careers on 1800 255 777 or email
[email protected]
- More information about the roles, process (including indicative timeframes) and Apprentice Program can be found on our website.
Applications close at 11:55pm on Sunday 12 July 2026
Passionate people. Global thinking. Regional heart.
Building a better energy future.
Essential Energy is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourages applicants to apply regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.
As an organisation, our aim is to champion inclusivity in the workplace and celebrate the difference in all our employees.
At Essential Energy, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to Essential Energy (including alternate formats of application forms or alternate ways for accessibility). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact [email protected] or call us on 1800 255 777.