Lachlan switches on his future in the energy industry

Now preparing to begin his career as a Distribution Linesperson based at the Gatton Depot, Lachlan credits the Ergon Energy Network and Energex Pre‑apprenticeship Program, delivered in partnership with TAFE Queensland, with helping him take that crucial first step.

“The cadetship basically gave me an understanding of what to expect,” Lachlan said.

His experience completing the cadetship then gave him the confidence to apply for an apprenticeship with Ergon Energy Network and Energex with applications opened.

“It gave me a foot in the door. I was already coming in knowing people, so I just took that extra step and applied,” he said.

The Ergon Energy Network and Energex apprenticeship program saw more than 7000 people apply in 2025 and cadets like Lachlan were given first-hand experience into what it take to succeed as an apprentice in the industry.

Open to eligible Year 11 and 12 students, the industry-aligned pre-apprenticeship program enables cadets to complete a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) (UEE22020) while gaining real‑world experience in Queensland’s energy sector.

Lachlan started the cadetship while undertaking Year 12 at Lockyer District High School, completing work experience in and around his community depot in Gatton.

“I’d go to the depot every morning and get assigned a crew,” he said.

“Every day was different. You’d jump in the truck, head out to site, fit poles and swap poles, change cross arms. There was a real variety, and that’s what made it so good.”

Alongside workplace experience, Lachlan completed training blocks and online classes through TAFE Queensland, building his knowledge in a supportive learning environment.

“At TAFE we covered hand tool use, safety and basic electrical understanding,” he said.

“We also had online classes every week where we went through electrical theory together.”

Lachlan said his TAFE Queensland educator played an important role in making the learning experience approachable.

“He was really good, really friendly and approachable,” he said.

“You could ask questions or even just have a chat without feeling any pressure.”

As a result of participating in the program Lachlan gained essential work, health and safety skills specific to the electrical industry, situational safety awareness training, foundational technical skills, including hand tool use and electrical basics experience working in live environments under the guidance of industry crews, and an understanding of day‑to‑day operations in electricity distribution.

“The big thing is getting an understanding of whether it’s actually what you want to do,” Lachlan said.

Furthermore, it gave Lachlan the reassurance he needed to take the next step into an apprenticeship.

“It gives you a basic understanding of what you’re coming into, including the application process and what to expect with the aptitude testing,” he said.

“If you’re unsure, doing the work experience really helps you figure out if it’s the right fit.”

Now preparing to work as a Distribution Linesperson out of the Gatton depot, Lachlan is also focused on future growth within the energy industry.

“I’d definitely look at doing more training,” he said.

“Maybe moving up into live line work or other roles, just seeing where it takes me, the best thing is there are so many career paths I can pursue.”

High‑school students passionate about pursuing a career in energy are encouraged to apply for the Ergon Energy Network, Energex and TAFE Queensland pre‑apprenticeship program.