Elijah beams about electro career connections

Elijah's parents are both tradespeople and he knew he wanted to follow in their footsteps and become an electrician.

A Facebook post announcing applications were open for interested high school students sparked Elijah’s interest and lead him to apply for the Ergon Energy Network and Energex Pre-apprenticeship Program delivered in partnership with TAFE Queensland.

After his application was accepted, he completed the hands-on program which included online learning, practical activities on camps and work experience at the Esk depot throughout Elijah’s final year of high school.

Elijah is one of the many success stories from the pre-apprenticeship program – which sees senior high school participants in rural, regional and remote Queensland complete a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) (UEE22020) and power-up their careers in Queensland's transformative energy industry.

Elijah believes his experience was instrumental in helping him to secure a full-time apprenticeship with the Energex after high school.

“Completing the cadetship, which included the Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) (UEE22020), helped me get my apprenticeship at Energex,” said Elijah.

“The depot work experience component of the cadetship helped a lot. I was able to see how everything operated, gained knowledge on how things were working, and my team leaders from the Esk depot acted as references in my application. So, the cadetship put me in a really strong place when applying for an apprenticeship.”

Elijah is excited about the diverse career pathways an electrotechnology apprenticeship can lead to in the industry.

“I have to say there are just so many opportunities. I have been supported to do the tasks that I want to give a go. I am looking forward to working at heights training next – that seems pretty fun."

Looking to the future, Elijah is enjoying gaining new skills and knowledge and encourages his peers to consider the industry for themselves.

“I haven't thought too far into the future but finishing my apprenticeship and then getting the trade – that'd be great, and I will see what happens from there,” he said.

“If you want to do an electrical trade and you want to work for a good company, I’d definitely say apply for a role with the Ergon Energy Network and Energex – they support you very well.” 

“There's lots of job opportunities, and a lot of options,” Elijah finished. 

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. 

Applications for the 2026 Ergon Energy Network and Energex Pre-apprenticeship Program open in July.