Apprenticeships and TransGrid

The Apprenticeship program is an important part of resource planning for our future.

TransGrid offers apprenticeships in the following areas/disciplines:

Electrical (Mechanic)/Systems Electrician
Telecommunications (Communications)
Transmission Lines (Lineworker)

The prospective apprentice should be:

• Skilled, motivated and committed to the goals of the organisation
• Flexible, resourceful and willing to learn
• Respectful of colleagues and customer focused
• Self-motivated, innovative and creative
• Environmentally and Socially responsible
• Appreciative and sensitive of difference and diversity

Overview of the Apprenticeships Program

Each year TransGrid offers apprenticeships in various trades. All of these apprenticeships involve a four year training contract administered by the Department of Education and Training and incorporate "on the Job" training as well as paid leave to attend "off the Job" learning. TransGrid offers a starting annual salary, approximately $31,600 plus superannuation.

Currently TransGrid is engaged in an extensive capital works program. This will further expand the career opportunities of newcomers to the organisation.

Annually, TransGrid offers a range of apprenticeships at the various locations throughout New South Wales. The type of apprenticeship and location varies from year to year due to business needs.

Types of Apprenticeships

Electrical (Apprentice [Mechanic] Systems Electrician)

As an Apprentice Systems Electrician, persons are offered practical training on TransGrid's High Voltage Transmission Network, as well as experience in domestic, commercial and industrial wiring systems. On completion, they will be fully qualified as a Systems Electrician and able to apply for an Electrician's License, as well as being able to apply for vacant Tradesperson (Electrical) positions if successful.

A Systems Apprentice discusses his experience- Watch

Telecommunications (Apprentice Communications)

Communications Apprentices gain training and experience installing, maintaining and fault finding in communications systems and equipment. The TransGrid communications network is comprised of a wide range of systems including broadband optical fibre and microwave radio, voice radio repeater network, integrated telephony network, LAN / WAN data services, powerline carrier and supervisory/control equipment.

A Communications Apprentice discusses his experience- Watch

Transmission Lines (Apprentice Transmission Lineworker)

The Lineworker apprenticeship allows you to learn skills required to become a nationally accredited and qualified overhead Line worker. Your apprenticeship will include working on transmission lines at a voltage range of 132 kV to 500kV. All work is primarily based outdoors (in remote locations) with some work in high voltage substations. Planned routine work consists of both ground and aerial maintenance of transmission lines. Unplanned non-routine work may arise from emergency situations.

A Transmission Lineworker Apprentice discusses his experience- Watch

Current Vacancies

Apprenticeships have closed for the 2008 intake. The next intake will begin around mid-June in 2008 for the 2009 intake.

How to Apply

Stage 1: Registration for Apprentice Selection Test

Registrations for the Apprentice Selection Test should be addressed to Apprentice Intake / TransGrid Human Resources and emailed to emp.apps@transgrid.com.au

Registrations should clearly indicate the preferred location to sit for the selection test. You will also need to provide your contact details (name, address and daytime phone number).

Apprentice Selection test details will be forwarded to registered applicants after the closing date has past.

On the day of the test, you will be asked to nominate for one apprenticeship and the location.

If you are not contacted within six weeks of having completed the selection test, you should regard your application as being unsuccessful.

Stage 2: Short listing of Applications

From the results from the selection test, suitable applicants will be contacted and requested to mail documents to TransGrid.

A selection committee will short list applications and send information regarding interview dates and times to applicants.

All unsuccessful applicants will be notified by letter.

Stage 3: Interview

Interviews will be held at the site for the apprenticeship. Candidates will be required to cover their own costs to attend an interview.

It is anticipated that interviews for the 2009 Apprentice Program will be held during September/October 2008.

Candidates will be asked questions relating to awareness of the role of TransGrid, teamwork, working independently, personal work standards, ability to learn, ability to follow instructions, problem-solving, communication, occupational health and safety and the environment.

Applicants must be Australian Citizens or have Permanent Residency. Evidence of residency such as a Birth Certificate or Residency will be required to be provided at interview.

Stage 4: Offers of Employment

Following the interview process candidates will be subject to a further short listing with successful candidates required to undertake both a criminal check and medical check prior to any final offer of employment.

Apprentices will be expected to commence employment in mid January of the following year.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome of their interview.

FAQs

What is the starting salary?

If successful, you will sign a four year training contract administered by the Department of Education and Training which will incorporate "On the Job" training as well as "Off the Job" learning.

TransGrid provides competitive salaries, excellent and flexible conditions of employment even study assistance.

Apprentice conditions of employment are covered by the terms and conditions of the TransGrid Employees Award.

The commencing weekly salary in 2008 is $606.90 plus 11% Superannuation. Each year, this salary will increase if you meet the training requirements in the organisation and associated training. In order to achieve your annual pay increase, practical and academic learning must be achieved. Please note. Fourth year Apprentices are currently earning $875.70 per week plus 11% Superannuation.

What qualifications do I need?

You must be currently completing, or have recently completed Year 10, 11 or 12 (or equivalent) and must have or be willing to attain a driver's licence.

Most successful candidates have good grades in Maths, Vocabulary and Science.

Can I apply if I'm not an Australian citizen?

Australian citizenship or permanent residency is a condition of employment. Evidence will be required to be provided prior to any offer of employment.

What if I finished my schooling some years ago?

TransGrid does not discriminate on the basis of age. Recruitment is on the basis of merit. TransGrid is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants for vacant positions are considered equally, regardless of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, homosexuality, disability, transgender and carer's responsibility.

Apprentices are usually current or recent school leavers. Where you have finished your secondary education some time ago and have substantial work experience, you may prefer to apply for other positions advertised by TransGrid in the press or on our website.

Why must I have a medical check?

Applicants may need to undergo a medical examination as part of the selection process as a medical clearance is a standard condition of employment in TransGrid.

The medical is designed to ensure that you are fit to work in the apprenticeship. An invitation for a medical examination does not necessarily mean you have been selected for the position.

Why do I have to have a Criminal Record/Character check?

Applicants over sixteen years of age will be subject to a Criminal Record Check through the Police Department.

The criminal record check is designed to ensure that you are fit to work in the organisation.

All enquiries are strictly confidential and details of any criminal record will be destroyed after use.

Applicants may discuss these conditions with the Recruitment Selection Committee if desired.

What happens if I am offered Employment?

You will need to produce proof of relevant qualifications.

You must provide proof of permanent residency status or Australian citizenship.

You will be on probation for a minimum period of 3 months or until such time as the appointment is confirmed.

Where will I be working?

You will be working at the apprenticeship location as advertised, with the exception of periods when you may be required to train or work away at other sites.

What type of work will I do?

You will learn skills and gain training and experience in your specific Apprentice Discipline.

Electrical - Learn to install, maintain and commission high voltage and low voltage equipment. You will also learn how to perform fault finding tasks.

Communications - Learn to install, maintain and fault find communications systems and equipment that comprise the TransGrid communications network.

Transmission Lines - Learn how to maintain transmission lines at a voltage range of 132 kV to 500kV. You will use different techniques involving dead line work and live line work. All work is primarily based outdoors (in remote locations) with some work in high voltage substations

What sort of training will I get?

Your training will include on the job training in TransGrid and off the job learning related to the trade chosen.

What are the career opportunities?

At the end of your apprenticeship, you become a fully qualified Tradesperson and you may elect to apply for vacant Tradespersons positions in the organisation.

Other career options after completion of Apprenticeship

Later, with experience as a tradesperson, applicants who have completed further study may apply for positions in higher-grade technical fields, resulting in higher salary and more responsibilities.

TransGrid during 2006 also commenced a program of Managing Director's Scholarships offered to fourth year apprentices. Under this program, apprentices who have excelled at their trade and additional studies may be sponsored through a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) degree with further career opportunities on completion.

Who can I talk to for more information?

If you have any enquiries or require further information in relation to Apprentice Recruitment, or the organisation in general you can contact:

Recruitment Officer
Ross Jones
Phone: (02) 9284 3149
Email: Ross.Jones@transgrid.com.au