Starting as an apprentice at Powerlink is all it takes to set up life-long possibilities for your career.
Queensland is facing a once-in-a-generation energy transformation and as Queensland’s transmission network service provider, there’s never been a better time to join Powerlink.
Our four-year apprentice program provides an exciting mix of on-the-job training, technical learning and professional development.
While working with us, you’ll have the opportunity to unleash your potential and explore every possibility.
Apprenticeships with Powerlink offer you:
- a unique blend of classroom instruction and on-the-job training, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios
- access to internal and external industry forums and growing your professional networks
- exposure to major projects, network maintenance and domestic electrical work
- in-house and self-paced learning via our diverse continuous learning offerings
- ongoing feedback, capability and career conversations to explore your strengths, development opportunities and career aspirations
Whether you're a recent high school graduate or looking for a career change, a Powerlink apprenticeship offers a pathway to success and an opportunity to be part of Queensland’s energy future.
Apprenticeship streams
In 2025, we are offering apprenticeship opportunities in Brisbane, Gladstone and Townsville in the following apprenticeship streams:
- Electrical Trade Apprenticeship - Substations
- Electrical Trade Apprenticeship - Secondary Systems
- Communications and Control Apprenticeship - Secondary Systems
- Linesperson Apprenticeship
On completion of your four-year apprenticeship, you will be fully qualified in your chosen technical stream.
You may be offered further study and an ongoing role within our business, relocation to a different part of Queensland or the opportunity to move into tertiary study, as your career takes shape.
LINESPERSON APPRENTICESHIP
In this apprenticeship you will, inspect and maintain and refurbish Powerlink’s high voltage transmission lines.
On completion of this program you will have obtained a Certificate III in ESI – Transmission Overhead (UET30521)
Career pathways may include:
Easement Maintenance Officer, Transmission Live Linesperson, Work Site Supervisor and Lines Section Leader.
ELECTRICAL TRADE APPRENTICE – SUBSTATIONS
In this stream, you will implement and maintain Powerlink’s primary high voltage plant and equipment for Queensland.
On completion of this program, you will have obtained a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820).
There is an option to complete further study – either an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering.
Career pathways may include:
Substation Trade Technician, Live High Voltage Substation Trade Technician, Site Supervisor and Substation Team Leader.
ELECTRICAL TRADE APPRENTICE – SECONDARY SYSTEMS
In this stream, you will have the opportunity to test, interrogate and commission the protection and control functions of Powerlink’s high voltage plant equipment.
On completion of this program you will have obtained a UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician.
It is mandatory to complete further study – either an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering. All additional mandatory tertiary studies will be fully funded by Powerlink.
Career pathways may include:
High Voltage Protection and Testing Technician, High Voltage Protection and Testing Specialist, and High Voltage Protection and Testing Team Leader.
There are also optional pathways into engineering related roles.
COMMUNICATIONS AND CONTROL APPRENTICE - SECONDARY SYSTEMS
In this apprenticeship, you will test, interrogate and commission the telecommunication and controls of Powerlink’s high voltage network equipment.
On completion of this program you will have obtained a Certificate III in Electronics and Communications.
It is mandatory to complete further study either an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering. All additional mandatory tertiary studies will be fully funded by Powerlink.
Career pathways may include:
Communications and Control Testing Technician, Communications and Control Specialist and Communication and Controls Team Leader. As well as optional pathways into engineering related roles.
What does a transmission linesperson do?
Our lines team work on overhead transmission lines including the installation, inspection and maintenance of towers, poles, structures, conductors and hardware.
This trade is not to be confused with an electrical or communications and control apprenticeship. It is focused more on the infrastructure such as transmission towers and conductors (the lines) in between.
Check out this video to see our lines team at work and find out if our transmission linesperson apprenticeship is the Powerlink apprenticeship for you.
What you’ll need
If you're interested in applying for an apprenticeship at Powerlink you will need:
- a current Queensland drivers licence (manual required or be willing to obtain)
- your own means of transport
- to have completed year 12 (or in the process of doing so) – unless you are a mature aged candidate
- a genuine interest in how electricity works
- a strong work ethic
- to be a team player with good communication skills
- a Certificate II in Electro-technology is desirable (not essential)
Powerlink encourages women, First Nations people and mature aged candidates to apply.
Your benefits
As an apprentice with Powerlink, you will have access to:
- a structured curriculum covering theory, safety and practical skills
- mentorship programs to guide apprentices through four years of development
- regular social activities to keep connected to the apprentice cohort
- a nine-day fortnight, giving you a three-day weekend every second week
- travel to remote and regional parts of Queensland with your work crew
- a competitive salary plus 14.75% superannuation and other financial benefits such as living away from home allowances, various other entitlements and annual incremental salary increases.
As an apprentice, Powerlink will cover all your professional and trade skills licensing fees where required by legislation.
