Tara Murray
Three western suburbs apprentices are hitting the tools in Ardeer as part of the CitiPower and Powercor’s apprenticeship program.
More than 1200 people applied for the 2021 intake, with 10 candidates selected to work across the state, including at Ballarat, Bendigo, Echuca, Horsham, Geelong, Ardeer and Burnley.
Lineworker Riley Moerenhout, cable jointer Jordan Beckman and meter technician Sam Cordy are all completing their apprenticeships at the Ardeer depot.
The new apprentices will receive hands-on learning and training through Holmesglen TAFE.
Their work will range from delivering major works program to restoring power safely and quickly to customers if a fault occurs.
For Mr Beckman, who lives in Brookfield, it was third time lucky applying for a apprenticeship with CitiPower and Powercor.
“I was quite surprised that I could get a position with the odds what they were,“ he said.
“I’d applied three years in a row. I’m quite excited to get out there.
“I’m had family and friends in the business and they’re really liked it. I like the team atmosphere in the position and the overall culture.“
CitiPower and Powercor head of field services, Ross Young, said apprenticeships are an important way the company invests in their people.
“We are pleased to be able to create 10 new jobs across western Victorian and the CBD as our state rebuilds its economy after the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Since 2001, the two companies have invested in more than 400 apprentices and trainees.
