Apprenticeship Program - 2026 I Brisbane, Gladstone & Townsville

At Powerlink, Apprentice possibilities start with us

• Future-proof your career with a Powerlink Apprenticeship
• Industry leading training, fully funded tuition and competitive salaries
• Four-year program starting January 2026

We believe life's about possibilities. And so is the future. That's why we need you.

We're working at the heart of Queensland's energy transformation. Now more than ever, we need people who want to help us deliver a world-class energy future and ensure we continue to navigate through this once in a generation energy challenge. Join us and make it happen.

As a Powerlink Apprentice, you'll help us connect a more sustainable energy future for more than five million Queenslanders and 241,000 businesses. Your work with us is about every light turned on, every community connected, and every future made possible.

Powerlink's Apprenticeship Program 2026

In 2026, we are offering three apprenticeship streams based in Brisbane, Gladstone or Townsville:

• Substations - Electrical Trade Apprenticeship
• Secondary Systems - Electrical Apprenticeship
• Secondary Systems - Communications and Control Apprenticeship 

The Program:

Be part of Queensland's energy future.

Starting as an apprentice at Powerlink is all it takes to set up lifelong possibilities for your career. Our four-year program provides an exciting mix of on-the-job, technical learning and professional development.

Whether you're a recent high school graduate, searching for a career change, or someone looking for a new challenge - a Powerlink apprenticeship offers a pathway to a successful and fulfilling career.

Ask us about:

• Completing an industry-leading, four-year program while obtaining a nationally recognised qualification.
• An attractive salary, starting from $68,337 or $88,961 (over 21 years) + 14.75% Superannuation for a nine-day fortnight with yearly increases and other financial benefits such as living away from home allowances, and various other entitlements.
• Having all tuition, professional and trade skills licensing fees covered by us. Plus, fully funded additional tertiary study for an Associate Degree or Advanced Diploma (where mandatory)
• A fully stocked toolkit, including Personal Protective Equipment, uniform, laptop, and phone.
• Opportunities to travel across the state of Queensland with your teammates.
• The opportunity to work a nine-day fortnight, enjoying a long weekend every second week.  
• An-inclusive team environment that supports diversity and innovation.

The Opportunities

Stream 1: Substations - Electrical Trade Apprentice: In this apprenticeship you will implement, construct and maintain Powerlink's primary high voltage plant and equipment for Queensland.

At the end of this program - you will have obtained a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician and can explore career pathways such as: Substation Trade Technician, Live High Voltage Substation Trade Technician, Site Supervisor and Substation Team Leader (optional to complete further study - either an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering).

Essential Requirements:

• Hold an open or provisional manual “C” Class driver’s license

Stream 2: Secondary Systems - Electrical Apprentice: In this apprenticeship, you will have the opportunity to test, interrogate and commission the protection and control functions of Powerlink's high voltage plant equipment.

At the end of this program - you will have obtained a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician and can explore career pathways such as: High Voltage Protection and Testing Technician, High Voltage Protection and Testing Specialist, and High Voltage Protection and Testing Team Leader. As well as optional pathways into engineering related roles.

For this program - it is mandatory to complete further study (in parallel with your apprenticeship) - either an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering.

Essential Requirements:

• Senior Certificate, Year 12, with a pass in Mathematical Methods (Maths B), Science (Any) and English OR are mature aged (over 21 years of age) candidate
• An open or provisional manual Driver’s license

Stream 3: Secondary Systems - Communications and Control Apprentice:  In this apprenticeship, you will test, interrogate and commission the telecommunication and controls of Powerlink's high voltage network equipment.

At the end of this program - you will have obtained a Certificate III in Electronics and Communications and can explore career pathways such as: Communications and Control Testing Technician, Communications and Control Specialist and Communication and Controls Team Leader. As well as optional pathways into engineering related roles.

For this program - it is mandatory to complete further study (in parallel with your apprenticeship) - either an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering.

Essential Requirements:

• Senior Certificate, Year 12, with a pass in Mathematical Methods (Maths B), Science (Any) and English OR are mature aged (over 21 years of age) candidate
• An open or provisional manual Driver’s license

The people you will join

You'll be joining our passionate Operations and Service Delivery division based in Brisbane, Gladstone, or Townsville. This dedicated team loves exploring how electricity works, solving complex problems, and taking the initiative to get things done safely.

The team thrives on challenges and is always eager to tackle new tasks with a positive attitude. They are committed to delivering excellent service and ensuring the smooth operation of their projects.

What you’ll bring:

You will have a genuine interest in how electricity works and enjoy being hands-on. As a collaborative team member, you will demonstrate a commitment to continual learning and be dedicated to completing your qualification.

Your passion for the field, combined with your dedication to personal and professional growth, will make you an asset to the team.

What matters most is your drive to make an impact for the millions of people we serve. Through our core values of accountability, customer service, teamwork, and safety, you’ll strive to question and challenge the ordinary every day.

Want to find out more?

Join us at our online Q&A sessions with our Early Careers Team on Thursday 22 May 2025. Please email your full name to recruitment@powerlink.com.au with the subject line “Apprentice Q&A Session”, to register your interest to attend either a session at (12:00pm – 1:00pm) or (4:00pm – 5:00pm) AEST. These sessions will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams.

This virtual session will provide you with the opportunity to hear more about the program, ask any burning questions, get application tips and advice, and find out more about the work we do here at Powerlink.

Find your possibility today:

If you are keen to join a world leader in the energy industry and play your part in creating a sustainable future, click Apply!

Please upload your current resume, cover letter and answer our application questions. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to let us know at the time of your application.

Applications will close on Sunday, 8 June at 11:59pm AEST.

You will receive a confirmation email upon submission of your application. To find out more information, please reach out to the Powerlink Team at recruitment@powerlink.com.au.

Our commitment to inclusion and belonging

We know empowering people to bring their whole self to work enables them to unleash their potential. To learn about our efforts towards greater Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, visit our careers site for more information!

As a Veteran-Friendly Employer, we value the skills Veterans bring and ensure equal opportunities. Let us know if you're a Veteran for tailored support.

Successful applicants will undergo necessary pre-employment checks. As part of our commitment to maintaining a positive candidate experience, we pledge to provide a timely response to all applicants.

Powerlink acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the skies, lands, and waters of Queensland and in particular, the lands on which we operate.