Dom’s cadetship strengthens regional ‘connections’

A ‘success story’ in every way – his experience demonstrates what creative problem solving can do for regional development.

The Southbrook resident is now based in Millmerran to undertake his apprenticeship with the Ergon Energy Network and Energex. But Dom’s journey in the industry was kickstarted during his final year at Pittsworth State High School.

Dom was accepted into the pre-apprenticeship program which included the Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) (UEE22020), on-campus practical days with TAFE Queensland, and work experience at his local Ergon Energy Network depot.

"First, there was work experience to do 'sparky' work, and I loved it. Then through school, I saw an opportunity to do the cadetship with Ergon Energy Network and Energex Pre-apprenticeship Program which included the Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) (UEE22020) through TAFE Queensland, the whole kit and caboodle,” explained Dom.

“I applied for it, got it, and attended TAFE Queensland classes every Tuesday, with online classes and inductions. I loved the whole site experience that Ergon provided too. So, when the applications for the Electrical Linesperson apprenticeship opened, I applied, and luckily, I got in!" said Dom.

The pre-apprenticeship program sees senior high school students from regional and remote communities throughout Queensland invited to apply for and participate in an introductory level electrotechnology course at TAFE Queensland, with work experience at participating Ergon Energy Network and Energex depots throughout the state.

On successful completion, students are encouraged to apply for apprenticeships available at the same rural depot, having received toolkits and work boots, significant real-world site experience and introductions to potential colleagues, as part of the cadetship.

Since undertaking the program, Dom has adjusted to full-time working life and encourages anyone considering the cadetship to apply for it.

"Working with Ergon during my work experience gave me a great understanding of the company and I made friends at Millmerran depot right away,” said Dom.

“The cadetship helped me secure an apprenticeship and settle in. I recommend everyone interested to apply for the cadetship, as it gives a significant advantage in securing an apprenticeship with Ergon."

The future looks bright for Dom who is excited to get through five weeks of training and inductions at the Toowoomba depot before heading back out to Millmerran to join the rest of his crew and start his four-year apprenticeship as a Linesman.

“I'm probably most excited about going up in ‘the bucket’ – going up high on the power poles and changing arms and stuff like that, and getting to travel to different places and drive around the countryside quite a lot, which I can't wait for,” said Dom.

“Emergencies and storms and helping people get their power back on will be pretty fun.”

Dom’s long-term plans include a dual trade to include a Transmission Ticket.

“I want to eventually be a dual-trade (qualified) electrician – working with helicopters and travelling around the state for work,” Dom said.

The 2026 Ergon Energy Network and Energex Pre-apprenticeship Program is a great opportunity for Year 11 and 12 high school students located in rural, regional and remote Queensland locations who are interested in switching on their careers in the energy sector.

Program participants learn from experienced TAFE Queensland trainers and Ergon Energy Network and Energex experts during weekly online workshops and on-campus practical days, complemented by real-world experience at their in-community depot.