Apprenticeships & Traineeships
Energy-Utilities and Electrotechnology Apprenticeships & Traineeships
The NSW Utilities & Electrotechnology Industry Training Advisory Body (ITAB) supports and promotes apprenticeships and traineeships across various sectors within the energy industry such as Electricity supply – generation, transmission, distribution and rail traction; Gas supply – transmission, distribution; and Electrotechnology (electrical including construction, industrial, rail, lifts, renewable energy, mining, explosion protection; electronics and business services; refrigeration and air conditioning; instrumentation, control and automation; communications encompassing telco and datacomms; computer systems).
The electricity supply energy industry in Australia comprises a number of interconnected sectors, such as Transmission, Distribution and Rail (Transport).
Transmission: Electricity is transported from power generating stations (fossil fuels, renewable or other sustainable forms) through High Voltage (HV) transmission networks. The HV is then reduced to lower voltages at substations and distributed to a range of energy users.
Distribution: Electricity is distributed to industries, businesses and homes via ‘bulk supply’ substations and electricity networks.
Rail: Electricity is distributed to transport people and goods by various types of rail traction vehicles such as trains, trams and other light rail systems.
For information on career pathways and formal nationally recognised qualifications applicable to the industry, visit our Careers page.
Electrotechnology impacts almost every aspect of our lives. This sector covers electrical, electronics, refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC), instrumentation and control (I&C), computer systems, data
communications, information technology (IT), lifts, fire and security, appliance, gaming, rail, renewable and sustainable energy and a range of other related technical occupations from Certificate II to Advanced Diploma.
It is an industry with ever-changing technologies and significant career prospects all the way up to higher technicians and para-professional jobs. You can choose to enter this industry as an employee, be self-employed or seek to establish your own contracting business and employ others.
The rate of technological change within the industry has never been greater and is expected to increase. By means of example, the use of ‘smart’ technology, such as home automation and the integration of systems, including voice and data, is now commonplace in many sectors of the industry.
It is an industry that continues to expand and develop. To stay current and up-to-date with technology and work practices, you must develop increasingly sophisticated technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Great career opportunities and pathways to new and advanced jobs with associated qualifications exist in the industry.
As apprentices and skilled operatives, you are expected to build high levels of competency, flexibility and capabilities across a wide range of equipment, technologies, processes and procedures. You must also be prepared for continuous development of your knowledge and skills throughout your working life.
Skill shortages at trade and post-trade technical levels currently exist and are expected to worsen over the next five years.
For information on career pathways and formal nationally recognised qualifications applicable to the industry, visit our Careers page.
The main source of Australia’s electricity generation is coal. A range of alternative energy sources are now progressively making inroads into augmenting Australia’s generating capacity.
Coal-fired plants constitute a majority of the generation needed to power the Australian economy. Now, and in the future, an increasing number of gas-fired power stations and other renewable energy sources will be used to generate more power nationally, including hydro, wind, solar, biofuels and battery. This will help ensure that the industry has the capabilities to meet Australia’s current and future energy requirements.
For information on career pathways and formal nationally recognised qualifications applicable to the industry, visit our Careers page.
Natural gas provides an affordable, clean energy solution that will assist Australia in the transition to a carbon-constrained environment.
Gas transmission and distribution refers to the supply of natural gas via transmission and distribution pipelines and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) via cylinders to domestic, commercial and industrial customers.
Careers in this industry provide career pathway opportunities for formally recognised qualifications in Gas Supply Industry Operations from Certificate II to Diploma.
For information on career pathways and formal nationally recognised qualifications applicable to the industry, visit our Careers page.