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Ergon Energy Network and Energex Pre-apprenticeship Program
Ergon Energy Network, Energex and TAFE Queensland are sparking the interest of enthusiastic and dedicated high-school students in rural, regional and remote communities, looking to undertake a pre-apprenticeship program.
High-school students located in rural, regional and remote communities passionate about pursuing a career in energy can apply for an exciting, hands-on training opportunity with the Ergon Energy Network, Energex, and TAFE Queensland pre-apprenticeship program.
This industry-aligned program offers eligible Year 11 and 12 students in rural, regional and remote communities the opportunity to complete a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) (UEE22020) cadetship and power-up a promising career in Queensland's transformative energy sector.
Cadets will gain real-world experience and training at depots located throughout regional and remote Queensland, facilitated by the Ergon Energy Network and Energex, which are part of Energy Queensland.
Ergon Energy Network and Energex have depots throughout regional and remote Queensland and are part of the Energy Queensland group of electricity distribution, retail and energy services businesses owned by the state of Queensland.
Cadets will learn:
- Essential work, health and safety requirements contextualised to the electrical industry.
- Primary technical skills for the electricity distribution, retail and energy services sector including, the use of multiple power tools and materials, reading and interpreting site plans and specifications.
- Real-world site experience at Ergon Energy Network and Energex depots throughout regional and remote Queensland.
- Enterprise skills by completing Toolbox Talks and providing a formal project handover to the next incoming group at the end of rostered shift.
While successful completion of the program provides students with valuable skills, experience, and networking opportunities, it does not guarantee an apprenticeship with Ergon Energy Network or Energex. Participants are encouraged to apply for available apprenticeships and leverage the knowledge and connections gained during the cadetship to enhance their applications.
Applications open 9am 20 July 2026 and close 9am 10 August 2026.
How it works
Build the skills and confidence you need to seek an apprenticeship in a range of electrical trade areas during this entry-level course.
The program combines online learning, a five-day practical training block at TAFE Queensland, and structured work experience at local Energy Queensland depots, supported by workplace-based assessment and evidence collection.
Under the mentorship of Ergon Energy Network and Energex experts and experienced TAFE Queensland trainers, you will learn the skills needed to safely undertake basic electrotechnology work and solve problems in extra-low voltage single-path and multiple-path DC circuits.
Cadets train and gain experience in or near their local community, reducing travel and supporting regional workforce development.
The National Skills Commission predicts that energy sector employment opportunities for trades such as electricians and electrical engineers will increase by 10.2% over five years with an estimated 14,600 new job openings between 2021 and 2026.
With over 140 years of experience in delivering vocational education and training, TAFE Queensland is the state's largest and most trusted training provider. We offer practical, industry-relevant training to more than 122,000 students annually.
Ergon Energy Network and Energex depot locations
- Atherton
- Georgetown
- Innisfail
- Ravenshoe
- Tully
- Mt Isa
- Julia Creek
- Richmond
- Charters Towers
- Home Hill
- Bowen
- Sarina
- Moranbah
- Clermont
- Middlemount
- Biloela
- Longreach
- Barcaldine
- Blackall
- Winton
- Springsure
- Emerald
- Blackwater
- Pinnacle
- Mundubbera
- Biggenden
- Gayndah
- Monto
- Murgon
- Kingaroy
- Yarraman
- Kilkivan
- Childers
- Cunnamulla
- Roma
- St George
- Dalby
- Tara
- Chinchilla
- Wandoan
- Millmerran
- Warwick
- Gatton
- Esk
- Boonah
- Beaudesert
- Quilpe
North Queensland
- Cairns campus
- Townsville campus
Wide Bay Burnett
- Bundaberg campus
- Kingaroy campus
Darling Downs and South West Queensland
- Charleville campus
- Chinchilla campus
- Ipswich campus
- Roma campus
- Toowoomba campus
Important information
Workload
- 1 day per week – online classroom via Teams platform with a TAFE Queensland educator (Tuesday)
- One 5-day practical block (Term 1, prior to Easter)
- Work experience is a key component of the program, and includes workplace-based evidence collection, supported by supervisor reports and structured logbooks.
Course outcomes and benefits
In addition to the successful completion of the Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) UEE22020, students will also complete:
- General Construction Induction Training Skill Set (White Card) – an industry requirement to work on Queensland construction sites, and some of the units needed for the first stage of an electrical apprenticeship.
Participants that successfully complete the program will receive:
- Toolkit
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Boots, shirt, gloves, safety glasses
- Accommodation costs may be covered where required
- Work experience at the closest rural, regional or remote Ergon Energy Network and Energex depot.
Eligibility
Students will need to meet specific eligibility criteria before being accepted and enrolled into the specific program which includes:
- Students must currently be enrolled at a Queensland High School
- Students must be a Queensland Resident
- During the application process students will be invited to complete a Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) Skills Check
- Students must not have already completed Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start)
- Students must be eligible for VETiS funding. For more information and eligibility requirements, please visit dtet.qld.gov.au/training/providers/funded/vetis
- Students must be available to travel to a local depot for mandatory work experience during the prescribed time periods
- Students must also be required to travel to a specific TAFE Queensland campus location for the practical block training
- Students must receive permission from their legal guardian and school in order to participate.
Resources required
Ergon Energy Network and Energex will supply the minimum occupational health and safety requirements for practical classes. This includes the use of safety glasses and protective footwear with safety toe cap and non-slip soles to AS2210.
Students will be provided with a recommended reading list and/or required textbooks during orientation or at the start of each unit.
Students will be required to bring personal stationery, a USB, a scientific calculator, a ruler, set square, protractor and compass.
Students will require access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland’s online learning system, Connect, and MS Teams, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations, however students would benefit from bringing their own device (BYOD).