Women power Central West clean energy workforce

NSW Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan today visited Orange to announce the NSW Government’s Renewable Energy Skills Strategy and meet Transgrid’s new female apprentices and hear firsthand about their role in supporting the state’s renewable energy transition.

Women make up 45% of the 29 new apprentices who have joined Transgrid’s network across NSW as part of the 2026 Apprentice Program. Two of the four new Orange-based roles have been taken up by women, who are working alongside another three female apprentices already in the program.

Transgrid continues to invest in training and developing the next generation of skilled energy workers to power the state’s clean energy future. In the past five years, 93 apprentices have joined the organisation across six NSW sites, including 12 in Orange.

Across Transgrid’s Apprentice Program overall, diversity outcomes are already exceeding sector averages, with women representing 37 per cent of apprentices – more than double the 17 per cent across the energy industry.

Executive General Manager of Delivery Jennifer Hughes said apprentices are vital to Transgrid and NSW’s clean energy future.

“We’re not just providing jobs – we’re developing skilled professionals who can support our transition to renewable energy and strengthen regional communities like Orange along the way,” Ms Hughes said.

“After 20 years working in the energy sector myself including as an electrical engineer, I am proud to see the real cultural shift underway in our industry helping women flourish in traditionally male-dominated roles.

“The biggest challenge of our times – the massive shift to renewable energy in NSW – calls for nothing short of full participation by women in all parts of the electricity industry.

“That’s why we are taking real action to promote and encourage more women to enjoy rewarding careers in the state’s rapidly growing energy industry.”

Orange-based Shannon Brazier has joined Transgrid as a first-year Apprentice Substation Technician after deciding it was time for a major career change to play her part in NSW’s energy transition.

Originally from Molong, Ms Brazier has lived and worked across NSW, Western Australia and Queensland, spending nearly 15 years in the mining industry before stepping away to start a family.

“When it came time to return to work, I knew I didn’t want to go back to the mines,” Ms Brazier said.

“I’ve always been hands-on, and I’d heard Transgrid was a great company to work for. The apprenticeship felt like the right opportunity to move into a career that has a future.”

Ms Brazier said the shift towards renewable energy was a key factor in her decision to apply.

“As the energy sector moves away from coal, I wanted to be career-ready for the future of clean energy and play my part in reducing emissions,” she said.

Transgrid’s Apprentice Program offers a clear career trajectory, from initial recruitment, comprehensive training, on-the-job experience, and eventual qualification into trade-specific roles crucial to the delivery of major infrastructure projects.

Roles are offered for Electrical Substation Technician Apprentices, Telecommunications Apprentices and Transmission Line Apprentices.

For more information, visit https://www.transgrid.com.au/careers/apprentice-program/

Media enquiries: Jaryd Ramsey – 0407 132 406