Apprenticeship Program with SA Power Networks and Enerven

As a powerline worker, the critical components to your role will be to construct and maintain overhead and underground electrical powerlines and structures (the poles and wires you see in the streets as well as the underground network) to ensure the community is connected to the grid. On completion of a Powerline Apprenticeship, you will receive a restricted electrical workers licence.

This type of powerline transmission work is at heights above 13 metres and up to 120 metres. The work is usually heavier than distribution type work, and carried out with higher powerline tensions. It requires the operation of specialised equipment, and there are opportunities to develop specialist skills in live powerline work and plant operation. Please note that this work entails working across the state and can involve living away from home for periods of time.

Electrical apprenticeship applications will open in August 2024 for our 2025 intake.

When you complete an Electrical Apprenticeship, you will be awarded the nationally recognised Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820).

You will be eligible for an electrical worker’s licence that allows you to build and work on both domestic and commercial electrical installations. You will also be given additional training so you can work on high voltage equipment in substations. This program gives you the skills and knowledge you need to work as an electrical tradesperson in the areas of substation construction and maintenance, transformer maintenance, customer connection and emergency supply restoration.

Apprentice wages as of 1st July 2023

Once qualified, the TSW3 rate is $1,705.24 (weekly rate) / $88,957 (annual rate).

Apprentices will work a 36-hour week – comprising 8-hour days over a 9-day fortnight. Working hours may be altered in line with operational requirements and our Enterprise Agreement. A working day usually starts at 7 am and finishes at 4 pm (this is a guide, depending on work group).

In the later years of your apprenticeship, and certainly once you are qualified, you may be required to work a reasonable amount of overtime, to be on “stand-by”, or to be placed on an availability roster. This is because SA Power Networks has to provide essential services to its South Australian customers 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. 

A trade-skilled employee, or one who is required to perform rostered availability duties (as outlined in their Job Description), may have to be available on the roster as part of their employment. Being on “stand-by” means you may be requested by an authorising officer to be on call to work after ordinary hours. Planned overtime work may also occur when the business requires. There is also the possibility of away work, and if this happens you will receive extra allowances in line with our Enterprise Agreement.

Apprenticeships are over a 4-year period, comprising both on-the-job and off-the-job training at SA Power Networks Training Centre (located at Angle Park) and at TAFE SA (electrical only). You must be prepared to enter into and complete a full 4-year apprenticeship.

Where an apprentice can demonstrate that they have satisfied specific competencies in previous study or work experience, it may be possible to recognise this by applying for recognition of prior learning (RPL). However, the decision to recognise RPL will be solely based on the evidence presented and recognition will be at the discretion of the relevant Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Please note that even if you receive RPL and it reduces the number of TAFE modules you are required to complete, the length of the apprenticeship program remains at 4 years.

SA Power Networks has previously taken on apprentices who have already started an apprenticeship. However, please be aware that we can only consider you if you have proof of your terminated Contract of Training.

It is not possible to swap from one apprenticeship to another (e.g. start as a powerline apprentice and swap to an electrical apprenticeship).

At each intake, you will need to apply for one type of apprenticeship and in one region. We may sometimes discuss further apprenticeship types and locations with you at interview.

Yes – SA Power Networks employs mature age apprentices. Adult apprenticeships are available for applicants 21 years or older. Applications are open to anyone who meets our essential criteria, regardless of age.

Apprentice recruitment occurs once or twice during January/February and then again during August/September. Applications must be made online via our Current Vacancies page and will only be accepted during the advertising period. To avoid missing opportunities, we recommend setting up a Job Alert. 

Step 1 - online application: submit an online application form through our Current Vacancies page. You will be asked a series of questions to support your application, and may be asked to upload evidence for meeting the minimum criteria below: 

• You are an Australian citizen or permanent Australian resident
• You are proficient in English, and possess sound maths and mechanical reasoning skills
• You hold a current and valid Australian driver’s licence (full or probationary)
• You are willing to undergo a pre-employment medical (including a drug and alcohol test) and police check. 

Step 2 - Aptitude assessment: complete an online assessment of your verbal, numeric and mechanical abilities. 

Step 3 - Online interview: you may be required to complete a short online interview to show us how you would be a great fit for an SA Power Networks apprenticeship. 

Step 4 - Face-to-face interview: talking to you in person. 

Step 5 - Heights & dexterity assessment: you will be asked to show your dexterity while working at heights. 

Step 6 - Medical assessment: complete a full medical assessment, including a drug and alcohol assessment. 

Step 7 - Final checks: you will need a police clearance, driving history check and references. SA Power Networks will give you further information and instructions at each stage if you are successful.

Please address your cover letter to “Recruitment Team”. Your application will be viewed by members of our Early Careers team as well as relevant Hiring Managers.

From 1 January 2015, students starting accredited training in Australia must hold a Unique Student Identifier Number (USI), but please note that you do not have to have a USI before applying for an apprenticeship with us. For further information on USIs please visit https://www.usi.gov.au/

Where appropriate, we recommend your current supervisor is a referee. For previous positions or employment, use a previous supervisor or someone who can comment on your work performance. If you have not previously held a job, you can use a sporting coach, teacher or a community group leader – but not a personal referee. We recommend that you tell a referee before you apply for a position and also make sure you have their current contact details.

The most suitable ‘pre-employment’ course relevant to our business is a Certificate ll in Electrotechnology, run by TAFE SA.

Please contact our recruitment team.