$39.5m boost for electrical training in Qld

The Queensland Government has launched an open-air overhead network training yard at Rocklea in order to strengthen the state’s energy workforce. The southern Brisbane suburb has served as a training ground for Queensland’s electrical workforce for more than 70 years.

This recent government investment will support Qld Government utilities Energex, Ergon Energy and Powerlink to train the next generation of electrical workers, thus powering future jobs and economic opportunity in the state.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said a skilled workforce was critical to the government’s delivery of its Energy Roadmap.

“The Crisafulli government’s Energy Roadmap is focused on improving existing assets while building what is needed for the future,” Janetzki said.

“That includes the $1.6 billion Electricity Maintenance Guarantee to support investment into our state-owned generators to deliver affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity for Queenslanders.

“Whether it’s maintaining our existing coal and gas-fired generators or connecting new batteries and renewable projects, a skilled workforce is critical to our energy security.”

According to the government, more than half of this year’s apprentices from government-owned corporations come from Energy Queensland (owner of Energex and Ergon Energy) with the majority of its 176 new apprentices training at Rocklea and working across 58 depots in the state. Energy Queensland received a record 7100 applications for its 2026 intake.

More than half of this year’s intake will be based in regional Queensland, with the apprentices entering six trade types — distribution linesperson, transmission linesperson, electrical fitter mechanic, electrician, telecommunications technician and underground cable jointer.

Energy Queensland Chief Executive Officer Peter Scott said the company’s apprenticeships were some of the most sought-after trade opportunities in Australia.

“Some of our current executives, senior managers, managers and team leaders started their careers with an apprenticeship,” Scott said.

“I am very pleased that Energy Queensland now has this state-of-the-art training centre, so we can continue producing our industry-leading apprentices.”

Image caption: Queensland substation. Image credit: iStock.com/Scorching Hot News