Remote Operations is ‘switched on’

Keeping remote Indigenous communities ‘switched on’ is a key component of an Essential Service Operators job.

This week will see 42 Essential Service Operators (ESOs), from the Alice Springs and Barkly regions, travelling to Alice Springs for a three-day course in keeping the power, water and sewerage services in their community connected and maintained.

The ESOs, many of who are Indigenous, will travel from areas including Ampilatwatja, Ikuntji, Ltyentye Apurte, Ti Tree and Yuendumu.     

The twice a year course is also held in Katherine and Darwin. One component of the course will be nationally accredited Fire Extinguisher training. Some of the ESOs are also undertaking a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Remote area essential services) through Charles Darwin University (CDU) and Group Training NT. The course work is done on the job and assessed by CDU trainers.

Power and Water’s Remote Operations General Manager Darryl Day said, “ESOs service some of the Northern Territory’s most remote areas, often in harsh and difficult conditions, and play an important role in keeping the electricity and water operating in these locations.

“The course provides ESOs with the opportunity to further develop their skills in generation, water and sewerage operations as well as network with other ESOs and Power and Water staff.

“A new section of the course to be introduced is water quality testing, which is key to ensuring the communities’ water is safe to drink.

“The ESOs will also undergo a variety of training in areas including safety, electrical basics, water sampling, metering familiarisation and oil spills.”

Photo opportunities (please call and advise so safety clearances can be obtained):

• Tuesday 23 October, 2:30pm: Fire extinguisher training, Alice Springs Resort, Stuart Highway
• Wednesday 24 October, 2:00pm: Pole Yard Exercises and Oil Spills, Power and Water Sadadeen Valley Complex
  

Contact:
Georgia Galton
Corporate Communications
Power and Water Corporation
0401 117 649 or 8951 7271