Isaac powers his community through an energy cadetship

Now with an apprenticeship with Ergon Energy Network, Isaac says the Ergon Energy Network and Energex pre‑apprenticeship program, delivered in partnership with TAFE Queensland, gave him the experience and confidence to take the next step.

“The Ergon Energy Network Work Group Leader in St George pointed me towards the cadetship,” Isaac said.

“Once I did it, I knew this was something I wanted to pursue.”

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

Isaac completed the cadetship while finishing Year 12, balancing school with weekly classes and structured training blocks.

“I was completing Year 12 and doing the cadetship as a Tuesday class,” Isaac said.

Isaac completed his practical work experience at the St George depot, where he experienced the reality of the job first-hand.

“We worked on power lines, did a bit of electrical fitter mechanic work and worked on switchboards,” he said.

“It gives you a really good base. You either like the work or you don’t, and that’s the value of it.”

Alongside workplace experience, Isaac completed hands‑on training and theory blocks through TAFE Queensland, supported by industry‑experienced educators.

“Our trainer Luke was really nice and always helpful,” Isaac said.

“If we ever needed a hand, he’d respond and help us out. He was just as good during the TAFE practical blocks.”

The training focused on reinforcing theory through practical application.

“We did a lot of hands‑on stuff,” Isaac said.

“Using tools, learning safety processes, filling out reports, it was all about getting familiar with the work.”

After completing the cadetship, Isaac had no hesitation in applying for an apprenticeship.

“I decided to apply because it’s just a great career,” he said.

“There’s brilliant growth, and I really enjoyed the work.”

For Isaac, the most exciting part of working in the energy industry is the impact it has on others.

“I’m really excited about a career powering the community,” he said.

He also credits the cadetship with giving him an edge in a competitive recruitment process.

“It gives you a good experience and an edge over other applicants,” he said.

“The apprenticeship is very competitive, and the cadetship really helps.”

While successful completion of the cadetship does not guarantee an apprenticeship with Ergon Energy Network or Energex, the program provides valuable skills, experience and industry connections that strengthen future applications.

Isaac believes it’s a great opportunity for other students considering the pathway.

“It’s a great experience and really sets you up,” he said,

Through the cadetship, cadets develop essential work, health and safety skills contextualised to the electrical industry, situational safety awareness, primary technical skills for electricity distribution and energy services, hands‑on site experience at Ergon Energy Network and Energex depots and enterprise skills, including communication, team work and reporting.