Power and Water - Providing opportunities for young Territorians

16 Apr 2007

One key strategy the Power and Water Corporation implements is a diverse apprentice and trainee program.

Over the past six years, the Territory utility has doubled its number of apprentices and trainees, with 57 people currently working to build a future with the Corporation.

“Like many businesses in the Territory and interstate, Power and Water is faced with the challenge of a skilled worker shortage,’’"Human Resources General Manager Karen Ross says.

“Rather than search for skilled workers overseas as many interstate utilities have done, PWC has chosen to 'grow our own', by offering young Territorians apprenticeships and traineeships so that they may fill future positions requiring skilled workers.’’

The graduate program includes sponsorships, scholarships and vacation employment opportunities. Power and Water also offers an Engineering scholarship program for students at Charles Darwin University - assisting them in their fees, and offering vacation employment during semester breaks to help boost practical experience in line with studies.

The corporation also provides a sponsored Undergraduate Program. The career development scheme provides participants with the opportunity to understand the activities, structure and future directions of the Power and Water Corporation as part of the Northern Territory Public Sector and it’s agencies.

Apprentices can work in a range of diverse roles - electrical fitters, electricians, electrical mechanics, plumbers, lineworkers, diesel fitters and cable jointers.
Trainees also have a variety of areas within the organisation that they can access - Retail (Cert. ll and lll in Business), Engineers - Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Environmental Scientists, Economics and Business.

“A comprehensive training and development regime is offered to all apprentices, trainees and graduates,’’ Ms Ross says.

“Studies assistance for post-graduate studies is encouraged and our trainees are assisted throughout their traineeship with guidance from supervisors, HR and Group Training Northern Territory.

``Apprentices are trained to national standards as part of their apprenticeship and in addition to comprehensive inductions, mandatory safety training is provided on a regular basis.

This year 14 young Territorians took up places with the Power and Water Corporation as apprentices and trainees.