Personalise my view
William ‘lines up’ a lifelong energy career
For William Angus, securing an apprenticeship with Ergon Energy Network straight out of school allowed him to enjoy his high school valedictory evening – feeling properly relaxed – with the knowledge he had sorted a career path, already ‘trialled’ in his hometown, Warwick.
The Scots PGC College student secured the Electrical Fitter Mechanic (EFM) apprenticeship after completing a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) (UEE22020) through the Ergon Energy Network and Energex Pre-apprenticeship Program – an 11- week cadetship offered by TAFE Queensland – while finishing Year 12 this year.
“The cadetship gave me a head start,” William said.
“It’s what helped me get my apprenticeship – it showed Ergon that I was serious, and it gave me the confidence, experience (and the safety gear and tools too!) I needed,” he said.
William’s journey towards the electrical trade was originally sparked by both curiosity and family connection.
His dad – also an electrician – inspired him to explore the field, but it was the pre-apprenticeship cadetship that truly ignited his passion.
The award-winning program, now in its second year, was designed as a workforce development solution for Ergon Energy Network and Energex – to build regional capability to fill regional and remote depot linesperson apprenticeship positions with qualified candidates, to address Queensland’s projected future energy demand.
For William (and others) it includes three weeks of work experience at his local (Warwick) Ergon Energy Network depot, along with online and practical electrotechnology block training, delivered through TAFE Queensland.
Ergon Energy Network also provided free PPE equipment, tools and travel funding, to ensure that every cadet was set up for success.
Over eleven weeks, every Tuesday, William joined TAFE Queensland educators Luke Pickering and Deb Ellenden for his Certificate II coursework. The experience blended classroom learning with real-world outcomes, supported by what he described as guidance.
“They made it so easy to stay on track,” he shared.
“TAFE helped us manage our time, understand safety, and get the practical skills we’d need on site.”
During practical blocks at the Warwick depot, William learned everything from tool use and testing equipment to worksite safety.
William’s transition from cadet to apprentice wasn’t automatic. It required aptitude testing, video interviews, and a final face-to-face meeting. But completing the cadetship gave him a strong advantage.
“The certificate really put me ahead, I believe,” William said.
“It flagged me as someone who already had electrical training.
“That’s what (and my aptitude testing) helped me land the EFM role – the first one offered at the Warwick depot in almost ten years,” William shared.
William is now looking ahead with excitement, ready to build a long and varied career with Ergon Energy. He hopes to eventually upskill as a linesperson, continuing his journey in the electrical trade.
“This will be a lifelong career for me,” William said.
“I see myself retiring with Ergon.
“It’s a big team, and that’s what I love – working alongside people you respect, finishing a job and saying, ‘we did a good job today’” he shared.
When asked what advice he’d give to other regional students considering the next cadetship intake, William didn’t hesitate to share his thoughts.
“Just do it,” he said. “Even if you don’t get it the first time, apply again.
“You learn so much, you meet great people, and you get real skills while you’re still at school.
“It’s 100% worth it,” William finished.