From first day to decades of service: Beaver Cain’s Journey at Transgrid

Looking back on your first day, what stands out most about starting your career here?

I was just 16 years old when I started working as an apprentice mechanic with the Forestry Commission in Bathurst. However, when the Electricity Commission offered me a job, I saw an opportunity for something more challenging and exciting. Electrical work intrigued me, and I soon discovered that switchgear work was largely mechanical—something I could relate to with my background in farming.

My first day at the Orange Regional Depot was a whirlwind of introductions. There was a clear upstairs/downstairs divide—those upstairs were always referred to as “Mister,” while those downstairs had nicknames. Within a week, I had earned my own alias, which has stuck with me ever since! A particularly memorable moment from my first week was encountering the painter’s gallery—it was quite an eye-opener!

Once settled in, I began my apprentice training under Cyril Forster, a strict but fair mentor. At the time, our work was highly regimented—every task had to be flawless, or it was tossed in the bin. We learned machining, welding, and electrical fitting. TAFE was a serious affair; we had to get our attendance cards signed daily, or we wouldn’t get paid. Our exam results were publicly posted, and if our scores dropped below 75%, we had to face an interview with a “Mister.”

What are some of the most memorable moments or achievements that stand out during your career?

One of the most unforgettable moments in my career was the Dapto transformer explosion. To this day, I can still hear the noise and see the fireball—it’s an image that has never left me.

Beyond the challenges, I’ve built lasting friendships, especially during my time at the Wallerawang Power Station. While working there, I encountered an entirely new level of unionism and job demarcation, which was a stark contrast to what I was used to. One particularly amusing memory was a faulty goods lift that kept stopping due to someone repeatedly pressing the emergency stop button. To fix the problem, I left a fake recorded message, telling them the lift would be available soon—after a while, I found a group of trapped apprentices blaming one poor soul for the whole ordeal!

My career has taken me across the state, working on major substation projects in Raglan and Cobar. I loved my time in Cobar, where I worked alongside international crews constructing the Elura mine. One morning, I was woken up by contractors frantically searching for me—the entire mine had blacked out! After resetting the system, I soon discovered the problem was caused by a contractor pushing a loom of wires, inadvertently tripping the circuit breaker. The eerie silence that followed the blackout was unforgettable!

Over the years, I also took on apprentice training, something I found incredibly rewarding. Many of the apprentices I mentored have gone on to excel in their careers, and I take great pride in their successes. It was especially meaningful to see the first female apprentices, Isabel Shanahan and Bobbi Peter, thrive in what was traditionally a male-dominated trade.

What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in the energy industry or at Transgrid?

Listen to everyone, even if their advice seems unusual—you never know when it might come in handy. Keep learning new skills and take every opportunity to earn qualifications and licenses. One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was, “You have two hands—teach yourself to use both.” It has made all the difference on tight jobs.

In your opinion, what is the key to building a long and fulfilling career?

Always be willing to adapt to change rather than resist it. Find ways to make every task enjoyable—whether it’s the work itself or simply sharing a laugh with colleagues. I also firmly believe in being empathetic toward all coworkers, even those who might get on your nerves.

What has kept you motivated after so many years?

I’d be lying if I said the money didn’t matter, but what truly keeps me going is the friendships I’ve built across the state. I genuinely love working with tools and solving complex problems.

How have your colleagues and the workplace culture at Transgrid contributed to your experience?

Transgrid’s safety culture is among the best I’ve encountered, and that’s something I deeply appreciate. My colleagues are the reason I still love what I do. Every generation brings new perspectives, and I’m especially impressed with the current apprentices in Orange—I think they have bright futures ahead.

What excites you most about the future of the energy industry and Transgrid’s role in it?

The expansion of green energy is creating an unprecedented amount of work, and Transgrid is at the heart of it. The future looks promising, and I’m excited to see how the industry continues to evolve.

Beaver’s career is a testament to the power of adaptability, camaraderie, and a passion for continuous learning. As Transgrid leads the energy transition, it’s dedicated employees like Beaver who help build a strong foundation for the future.

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