Energex wins Minister’s Excellence Award for Employers of Apprentices

Energex, a distributor of electricity for south east Queensland, has won the Minister’s Award for Excellence for Employers of Australian Apprentices for the Brisbane region.

Commenting on the Award, Lori Tanner, the MEGT Australian Apprenticeships Centre Consultant for Energex said: “I believe Energex won because of the way they have structured the blend of their apprentices to ensure their business is flexible and responsive to market and population changes.”

Mick Petroff, Apprentice Manager for Energex, employs approximately 360 apprentices across three trades: electrical fitter mechanics, underground cable joiners and overhead lines people.

He added: “We’re one of the largest employers in the region and we employ a wide range of ages. By attracting female, indigenous and mature-aged apprentices to the business, and mixing them with younger ones, we find the diversity makes for a positive work and learning environment.”

The range of apprenticeships and courses offered means employees can be kept challenged and interested with multiple skills. In return, Energex has a flexible workforce that can shift focus to meet market demands.

Petroff pointed out that the responsibility of mentoring and training is a serious one for Energex, stating: “Besides supplying their apprentices with the best tools and equipment, safety is paramount. It’s important to us that all employees go home in the same condition they arrived at work.”