Member for Mulgrave and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Curtis Pitt has congratulated apprentice Matthew Spagnolo who joined 65 other apprentices and six trainees about to embark on a bright career in the state’s electricity industry.
The North Queensland apprentices from Thursday Island, Mossman, Cooktown, Mareeba and Innisfail, recently began their formal training with Ergon Energy to become electricity workers of the future.
The new recruits are learning the ropes at Ergon Energy depots from Thursday Island to Quilpie after completing the first stage of their inductions and initial training.
Mr Pitt said the latest apprentices and trainees were chosen from a quality field of applicants, which means they are the best of the best.
“I commend Ergon Energy for recognising and promoting the home-grown talent in their midst,” he said.
Mr Pitt said the value of a highly trained workforce was evident during Ergon Energy’s recent efforts to restore power supplies to households and businesses affected by cyclone damage.
“The electricity network sustained significant damage and as soon as it was safe to do so, Ergon Energy crews were out and about doing a difficult job in difficult conditions. They rose to the challenge and were ready to face the worst that nature had thrown at the electricity network,” he said.
Mr Pitt said the latest intake of recruits includes seven Indigenous applicants, a record 11 females breaking into traditionally male-dominated roles and a good proportion of mature-age candidates, as well as school-leavers.
“I wish the new apprentices all the very best in what I am confident will be a rewarding career in the state’s power industry,” Mr Pitt said.
Pictured with Hon. Curtis Pitt MP are Luke Bolton 3rd year Linesperson 28 years and Trevor Maud 2nd year Linesperson 29 years.
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