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High-school students 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 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.
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.
This program includes a combination of weekly online workshops by industry-expert TAFE Queensland educators, with regular involvement by Ergon Energy Network and Energex experts, on-campus practical days and in-community depot work experience placements.
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.
The Ergon Energy Network and Energex is invested in skilling students in pre-vocational programs, to address a Distribution Linesperson and Electrical Fitter Mechanic apprenticeship skill shortage in South West Queensland.
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
- Normanton
- Georgetown
- Innisfail
- Mt Isa
- Julia Creek
- Richmond
- Charters Towers
- Home Hill
- Sarina
- Moranbah
- Clermont
- Middlemount
- Biloela
- Theodore
- Longreach
- Barcaldine
- Blackall
- Winton
- Springsure
- Emerald
- Blackwater
- Mundubbera
- Biggenden
- Gayndah
- Monto
- Murgon
- Kingaroy
- Yarraman
- Kilkivan
- Childers
- Cunnamulla
- Roma
- St George
- Dalby
- Tara
- Chinchilla
- Wandoan
- Millmerran
- Warwick
- Stanthorpe
- Gatton
- Esk
- Boonah
- Beaudesert
North Queensland
- Bowen campus
- Cairns campus
Wide Bay Burnett
- Bundaberg
- Hervey Bay
- Kingaroy
Sunshine Coast
- Nambour
Darling Downs and South West Queensland
- Ipswich
- Warwick
- Chinchilla
- Roma
Important information
Workload
- 1 day per week – online classroom via Teams platform with a TAFE Queensland educator (Tuesday)
- 2 x 5 day practical blocks on campus (students will be advised on successful outcome of application which dates below pertain to their campus location):
o Term 1 (2026) – 9 March - 13 March or 16 March - 20 March 2026
o Term 4 (2026) - 5 October - 9 October or 12 October - 16 October 2026 - Plus up to 3 weeks work experience at depot locations. These dates will be advised on successful outcome of application and may include school holidays.
Course outcomes and benefits
In addition to the successful completion of the Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) UEE22020, students will also complete:
- General Safety Induction course (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
- Travel costs including accommodation and meals (where required)
- Work experience at the closest 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 current be enrolled at a Queensland High School
- Students must be a Queensland Resident
- Students must have successfully completed the Prepare to work safely in the construction industry unit (CPCWHS1001) which is delivered as part of the program in the first 4 weeks of commencement. This unit will be a requirement for the work experience component.
- During the application process students will be invited to complete a Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) Skills Check.
- Students must be available to travel to local depot (and stay overnight if required) and perform work experience during the prescribed time periods (travel costs to be provided for by Ergon Energy Network and Energex). *(conditions apply)
- Students must receive permission by caregiver and school 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).