Apprenticeships at Powerlink

Every possibility starts with you. Apprentice possibilities start with us.

There's so much opportunity for you here. We'll provide the pathways and the tools to help you make it happen.

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 2026, 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.

In this stream, you will implement and maintain Powerlink’s primary high voltage plant and equipment for Queensland.

Throughout the comprehensive four-year program, you will gain the expertise to select, install, configure, test, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain electrical systems and equipment across Powerlink’s substations. An electrical license is required to perform this work. It's important to note that this trade is distinct from residential electricians.

Electricians at Powerlink are highly specialised professionals who manage Queensland's extensive high voltage transmission network.

On a 9-day roster, you will travel the state of Queensland with your team and earn while you learn from industry leaders in a supportive and collaborative team.

The Program 

On completion of this program, you will have obtained a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820). 

You will also obtain

  • First aid certificate and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate 
  • High risk work licences (including elevated work platform, rigging and dogging, and forklift) 
  • Heavy rigid truck licence

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.

This stream is about continual learning and technologies. In this 4-year apprenticeship, you will test, interrogate and commission the protection and control functions of Powerlink’s high voltage plant equipment. 

Working on our Substations, as well as our plant and equipment across the state, you will join specialised teams who will mentor your apprenticeship with practical, hands-on exposure to real time scenarios at our sites and in the field. 

This apprenticeship stream will immerse you in industry-leading technologies and equipment, laying the foundation for obtaining your Advanced Diploma. 

Working on a 9-day roster, you will travel across Queensland with your team, earning while you learn from industry leaders in a supportive and collaborative environment.

The Program 

 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 during your 4-year apprenticeship. **

You will also obtain

  • First aid certificate and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate 
  • High risk work licences (including elevated work platform, rigging and dogging, and forklift) 
  • Heavy rigid truck licence
  • Advanced Diploma 

All additional mandatory tertiary studies will be fully funded by Powerlink.

Career pathways may includE

Secondary Systems- High Voltage Test Technician, Protection and Metering Engineering Officer, Protection and Metering Specialist, Section Leader, Electrical Design Engineer, and Project Manager – Electrical.

In this apprenticeship, you will join the secondary systems field team, working on communications equipment in substations and remote communication hubs. 

Upon completing the four-year apprenticeship, you will become a Communications and Control Technician, capable of selecting, installing, setting up, testing, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining electronic equipment and devices across all of Powerlink’s facilities.

This trade should not be confused with an electrical apprenticeship. It focuses on telecommunications, which requires a restricted electrical license, as you will be working with lower voltage equipment.

Working on a 9-day roster, you will travel across Queensland with your team, earning while you learn from industry leaders in a supportive and collaborative environment.

The Program 

On completion of this program, you will have obtained a nationally recognised qualification Certificate III in Electronics and Communications.

**It is mandatory to complete further study – either an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering during your 4 – year apprenticeship. **

You will also obtain

  • First Aid certificate and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate 
  • High risk work licences including Elevated Work Platform (EWP) 
  • Communications Cabling Licence 

All additional mandatory tertiary studies will be fully funded by Powerlink

Career pathways may include

Secondary Systems – Communications and Control technician, Communications and Control Specialist, Section Leader and people leader, Electrical design engineer, Project manager - Electrical

In this four-year apprenticeship, you will inspect, maintain, and refurbish Powerlink’s high voltage transmission lines throughout Queensland.

Our Lines Team specialises in overhead transmission lines, handling the installation, inspection, and maintenance of towers, poles, structures, conductors, and hardware. This trade is distinct from an electrical apprenticeship, as it focuses more on the infrastructure, such as transmission towers and the conductors (the lines) in between.

On a 9-day roster, you will travel the state of Queensland with your team and earn while you learn from industry leaders in a supportive and collaborative team.

The Program

On completion of this 4-year program, you will have obtained a Certificate III in ESI – Transmission Overhead (UET30521)

You will also obtain

  • First aid certificate and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate
  • Working at heights certificate
  • High risk work licences (including elevated work platform, rigging and dogging, and forklift)
  • Heavy rigid truck licence

Career pathways may includE 

Transmission Live Linesperson, Work Site Supervisor and Lines Section Leader.

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
  • to enjoy working in a team environment, fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture
  • 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 a Powerlink Apprentice, you will have access to: 

  • A competitive salary – starting from $68,337 (for school leavers and under 21 years of age) and $88,961 (for mature apprentices, over 21 years of age), plus 14.75% superannuation and other financial benefits such as living away from home allowances, various other entitlements and annual incremental salary increases.  
    (*rate effective March 2025)
  • A comprehensive curriculum that covers theory, safety, and practical skills.
  • Mentorship programs designed to guide apprentices through four years of professional development.
  • Regular social activities to foster connections within 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 team.

As an apprentice, Powerlink will cover all your professional and trade skills licensing fees where required by legislation.

Meet some of our recruitment team

Madeline Morgan

Recruitment Lead

I look after 

I oversee recruitment for our People and Corporate Services Division, as well as Operations and Service Delivery.

Ask me about 

Discovering top talent to cultivate a purpose-driven culture, ensuring we attract, nurture and retain our future – ready workforce.

What do you love about your role

Working in recruitment is incredibly rewarding because it’s all about connecting people with opportunities that can change their lives! Whether it’s helping a talented candidate land their dream job or assisting our hiring managers to find the perfect fit for their team, recruitment is all about making a positive impact. It’s a dynamic field that offers a mix of problem solving, relationship building, and the joy of seeing potential realised.

Andrea Rowland

Senior Recruitment Advisor

ASK ME ABOUT

Acquiring talent across all disciplines in the energy sector and finding innovative ways to recruit great people.

I LOOK AFTER

I recruit all levels of roles within Operations Service Delivery and Field Delivery. 

What do I love about my role

The people and teams I work with. I love the continuous learning involved in a talent acquisition role at Powerlink, especially in the energy sector in Queensland right now. The people I speak to daily are so passionate about our business and the industry. It's wonderful to be able to share that passion with our potential candidates and future team members. I love really getting to know our people and teams and matching future talent with our business.

Elliot Price Tripcony

Recruitment Advisor

Ask me about

Career opportunities at Powerlink, our recruitment process and how to apply, employee benefits and development programs, as well as our diversity and inclusion initiatives.

I look after

I manage end-to-end recruitment for our Operations and Service Delivery and People and Corporate Services divisions, collaborate with hiring managers to identify staffing needs, oversee the candidate experience and hiring process, and promote strategies to attract top talent.


What I love about my role

I love connecting individuals with opportunities that match their skills, contributing to the growth of both candidates and Powerlink, being part of a team that values innovation and diversity, and seeing the positive impact of my work on the organisation.

Stacey Frawley

Team Leader Apprenticeship Programs

Ask me about

The creation and implementation of strategies that contribute to the success of various early talent programs such as apprenticeships and traineeships.

I look after

Leading, developing, implementing, and centrally managing PQ's Apprenticeship Program, as well as overseeing traineeships within the business.

What do I love about my role

In my capacity, I derive great satisfaction from contributing to the success of our apprentices. Guiding and supporting individuals on their path to becoming skilled tradespeople is an immensely rewarding experience. I take pride in ensuring that our apprentices receive a comprehensive program focused on developing both their technical skills and behavioural competencies. Additionally, I am committed to providing the necessary resources that empower apprentices to excel in their chosen fields. Observing their progress and achievements reaffirms the significance and impact of our Apprenticeship Program.

John Pynakker

Talent and Branding Advisor

I look after

Talent and branding with a focus on early talent – school engagement, diverse talent and industry partnerships.

Ask me abouT

How your school or company can engage with us, or how you can apply for an Apprentice opportunity!

What do you love about your role

Many of the students, communities and people that we speak to have never heard of Powerlink. I love being able to introduce people to Powerlink for the first time; telling them about the work that we do to keep the lights on, our role in the renewable energy transformation as well as our amazing culture, benefits and career opportunities.

Chelsea Crawley

Recruitment Coordinator

I look after

I support the recruitment and pre-employment processes across People & Corporate Services and the Operational Services Delivery teams, working closely with a high performing team of Advisors.

Ask me About

Recruitment and career opportunities at Powerlink and how we work to ensure we are delivering an exceptional candidate experience.

What do you love about your role?

I love the opportunity to enhance the recruitment process with a genuine and honest approach. The variety in my job keeps things exciting - one day, I'm coordinating recruitment efforts, and the next, I'm diving into innovative and exciting projects. But it's the incredible team I work with that truly makes my role fulfilling.

ExpressionS of interest for 2026 Apprenticeship Program now open

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Meet our Apprentices

Our apprentices share their stories

Apprentice FAQs

Read some frequently asked questions about Powerlink's Apprentice program. 

Employee benefits

At Powerlink, we are committed to empowering our employees to work in ways that allow them to perform at their best.​​ With such a wide variety of inclusive benefits on offer, there's sure to be something for you. 

Learn more

Diversity, equity and inclusion

We need more and more diverse perspectives. The possibilities ahead of us require us to think differently. To question and challenge and to innovate, together. Find out about diversity and inclusion at Powerlink. 

 

Learn more

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