General News
7 August, 2024
Apprentice finds career change electrifying
Horsham's Jimmy Clifford has always enjoyed working outdoors, and being challenged with different problems in diverse places daily.
So, when he had the chance to become an apprentice with Powercor, he jumped at the opportunity.
The energy supplier is now looking for its next apprentice intake and Mr Clifford is encouraging applications from candidates.
"Powercor seemed like a great opportunity to work in a challenging and fun environment," Mr Clifford explained.
Prior to joining Powercor, Mr Clifford was an electrician for more than 10 years.
But it isn't a prerequisite to have experience in the field.
Candidates must have completed or be completing Year 11 VCE or VCAL and achieved a pass in General Maths/Numeracy or have completed (or be completing) a pre-apprenticeship TAFE training course in Electrotechnology (Cert II).
"I’ve been with Powercor for just over six months," Mr Clifford said.
"As a first-year apprentice I get the opportunity to go out on construction and maintenance jobs.
"This ranges from replacing old power poles and transformers, to supplying power to existing and new homes."
Mr Clifford said it’s a great job if you enjoy working outside, and he often finds himself working in a new place every day stretching across the Wimmera.
"There are a lot of great people in the team at Horsham as well as everyone you meet from other branches around Victoria," Mr Clifford said.
"Powercor supplies every apprentice with a senior mentor who is able to dedicate one on one time, teaching you about the roles and responsibilities of being a line worker."
CitiPower, together with Powecor, are on the hunt for 30 new apprentices to join the start's largest in-house line worker team.
The four-year apprenticeship positions are available across metropolitan and regional areas including Horsham.
Powercor’s Head of Operations and Delivery, Barry David, said it was the only opportunity to join a Victorian electricity network business directly as an apprentice line worker.
“Our apprenticeships provide the best start to what can be a fulfilling and lifelong career,” Mr David said.
“Our team supports our people to grow and build new skills and knowledge in this exciting field.”