Asha powers up her future through the Ergon Energy Network and Energex pre apprenticeship program

Now an apprentice with Ergon Energy Network, Asha’s journey began while she was still in high school, after taking part in the Ergon Energy Network and Energex Pre‑apprenticeship Program.

“I honestly never thought I’d find interest in something like this,” Asha said.

“But once I started the cadetship, I found myself really enjoying it.”

Designed for eligible Year 11 and 12 students, the program offers an exciting, hands‑on opportunity to complete a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) (UEE22020) cadetship and gain early exposure to a career in Queensland’s transformative energy sector.

Asha commenced the cadetship just after starting Year 12 at Tara High School, balancing school with structured training and real‑world experience.

“The cadetship really helped me understand what the job would be like, both practically and theoretically,” she said.

“The blocks through TAFE helped me identify tools and equipment, understand regulations and learn the general principles of the energy industry.”

As part of the program, cadets gain practical experience and training at their local depot facilitated by Ergon Energy Network and Energex.

For Asha, this included a variety of hands-on experiences.

“We went out and did jobs in the field but also spent time at the depot understanding what it takes to plan jobs and working safe,” she explained.

“Helping organise tools and equipment and pole fitting. You really get a lot of insight into the job and the tasks you’ll actually be doing.”

Throughout the cadetship, Asha and her peers develop essential electrical industry skills, including work, health and safety practices specific to energy environments, situational safety awareness, foundational technical skills such as using power tools and materials and enterprise skills such as participating in including Toolbox Talks and work-site handovers.

Asha credits her TAFE Queensland educator with giving him the confidence to take the next step.

“I had a really cool TAFE teacher — Batch,” Asha said.

“He taught us everything we needed to know but also gave us advice for when we enter the workforce, little tips and tricks that really help build confidence.”

She said the supportive learning environment helped him overcome early doubts.

“At first, I didn’t have much confidence and felt like I had no experience,” she said.

“But as you go, you learn so much. You just have to put yourself out there and challenge yourself.”

After completing the cadetship, Asha successfully progressed into an apprenticeship with Ergon Energy Network, a path she now sees as opening doors to even greater opportunities.

“I find it very interesting — and I love it,” she said.

“It’s been amazing so far, there is no better place to learn a trade.”

Looking ahead, Asha has big goals for her future in the energy industry.

“I’ve heard that later in the apprenticeship there’s support to study engineering,” she said.

“I’d love to become a civil or electrical engineer, but right now I am focused on being the best distribution linesperson I can be. I’ve got big dreams and the benefit of working for Ergon Energy Network is the sky is the limit — there are so many potential career paths.”

While successful completion of the program does not guarantee an apprenticeship, cadets gain valuable skills, experience and networks that strengthen future apprenticeship applications and Asha encourages other students to take the leap.

“It’s an amazing opportunity. It does get tough, but it’s so rewarding in the long run. It’s worth every second,” she finished.