Powerlink apprenticeships combine on-the-job learning with technical training and professional development. Over four years, you’ll earn while you learn and build a nationally recognised qualification in one of our technical streams. We’ll help you find the pathways, give you the tools and back you every step of the way to help you make it all happen.
Your future starts here
This is your chance to join the team at the heart of Queensland’s energy future. Every day, we work to keep the state’s high-voltage transmission network safe, reliable and ready for the future. As an apprentice, you won’t just learn a trade - you’ll help shape a more sustainable energy future.
Apprentice Program highlights
- Our 4-year apprentice program provides a structured learning journey with an exciting mix of hands-on training, and classroom learning so you can put theory, safety and practical skills into practice straight away.
- You’ll graduate with a nationally recognised trade qualification that sets you up for a highly specialised, licensed trade career with exciting career pathways.
- Gain exposure to major projects and network maintenance work across Queensland.
- Access to industry networks and learning opportunities, both in‑house and beyond.
- Grow your skills and confidence with ongoing support and feedback.
- Dedicated mentors with regular check‑ins to help you explore your strengths and future pathways.
- Travel across Queensland with your crew.
Whether you’re finishing school or ready for a career change, a Powerlink apprenticeship is your chance to play a real role in supporting Queensland’s energy future.
If you enjoy problem‑solving, working with your hands and being part of a team that takes pride in doing things safely this could be the apprentice program for you.
Apprenticeship streams
We offer apprenticeship opportunities in Brisbane, Gladstone and Townsville across four specialist streams. Expand the sections below to learn more about each apprenticeship stream.
Qualification: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820) - Electrical licence
Hear from Gisella about what it's like being a Substation Electrical Trade Apprentice at Powerlink.
What to expect
In this apprenticeship, you’ll help look after the high‑voltage equipment that keeps Queensland powered. Most days will be spent out in the field, learning on the job with your crew - supported by technical training to help you build skills you need along the way.
Across the 4-year program, you will:
- learn to install, test and maintain electrical systems and equipment inside Powerlink’s substations
- work with specialist equipment you won’t find in homes or small businesses. It’s unique, highly specialised work—and you’ll receive your electrical licence along the way
- earn while you learn as you work alongside experienced tradespeople
- travel across Queensland with your team on a 9‑day fortnight (think 3‑day weekends!)
If you like practical work, learning new skills, and being part of a supportive team - this could be a great way to start to your career.
No two days are the same and you’ll need to be comfortable with:
- spending some time away from home
- working outdoors and being on your feet
- working at heights, including climbing ladders (up to 15 metres)
- wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)
- following strict safety procedures
- participating in emergency response and first aid situations
- having your own transport to get to site
- living within 50km of your depot
- staying flexible as rosters and work locations change.
Qualifications on completion
On completion of this program, you will have:
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology (UEE30820) and qualify for an electrical licence
- First aid certificate and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate
- High risk work licences (including elevated work platform, rigging, dogging and forklift)
- Heavy rigid truck licence.
There is also an option to complete further study – either an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering.
Career pathways
Career pathways for an Electrical Trade Apprentice in our substation stream may include Substation Trade Technician, Live HV Technician, Site Supervisor or Team Leader.
Qualification: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820) – Electrical licence
Hear from Courtney about what it's like being a Secondary Systems Electrical Trade Apprentice at Powerlink.
What to expect
This 4-year apprenticeship is all about technology, problem‑solving and practical learning on how the transmission network really works behind the scenes.
Secondary Systems teams bring critical infrastructure to life - working with protection, control, metering and communications systems that keep electricity flowing safely across Queensland.
Every day, you’ll be learning how smart systems detect faults, protect equipment and keep the network running smoothly. This includes:
- testing, commissioning and maintaining the protection and control systems used on Powerlink’s high‑voltage plant
- training as an electrician while learning high-voltage testing and commissioning
- working with smart digital systems, protection equipment and high-voltage plant
- being supported by experienced specialists who’ll mentor you through real‑world scenarios
In this apprenticeship stream you will need to be comfortable with:
- travelling across Queensland with your team on a 9‑day roster
- working in substations and out in the field as part of a supportive crew that values safety and teamwork
- working at heights
- wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)
- following strict safety procedures
- staying flexible as rosters and work locations change
- balance your study commitments – you will build strong foundations for further study, including an Advanced Diploma.
This stream is perfect if you are curious, enjoy technology, hands‑on learning and continuous improvement.
Throughout the program, you’ll get regular feedback, ongoing training and strong support from your team - all in a safety‑first environment where people look out for each other.
Qualifications on completion
In this apprenticeship, you’ll train as an electrician while learning how high‑voltage systems are tested, controlled and brought to life.
On completion of this program, you will have:
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology (UEE30820)
- Electrical licence
- First aid certificate and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate
- High risk work licences (including elevated work platform, rigging, dogging and forklift)
- Heavy rigid truck licence
As part of this stream, you’ll also complete further study during your apprenticeship that is fully funded by Powerlink - either an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering.
Career pathways
Career pathways for an Electrical Trade Apprentice in our secondary systems stream may include HV Test Technician, Protection and Metering Specialist, Engineering Officer, Section Leader or even Project Manager.
Qualification: Certificate III in Electronics and Communications and
restricted electrical licence
Hear from Jonny about what it's like being a Secondary Systems Communications and Control Apprentice at Powerlink.
What to expect
Love technology and curious about how big systems stay connected? This apprenticeship puts you right at the heart of it.
In the Communications and Control stream, you’ll work with the technology that keeps Queensland’s transmission network talking - from substations to remote communication hubs across the state. These smart systems send signals, share data and help control electricity safely in real time.
Over the 4-year apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to install, test, troubleshoot and maintain electronic and communications equipment right across the transmission network.
This apprenticeship stream isn’t a traditional electrical trade. It’s all about telecommunications and smart systems, working with lower‑voltage equipment and a restricted electrical licence - ideal if you’re more into technology than heavy tools.
In this apprenticeship stream, you will:
- install, test and maintain communications and control systems
- travel across Queensland with your team on a 9‑day fortnight
- split your time between site work, your local depot and remote support when needed
- be supported by experienced mentors in a safety‑first, team‑focused environment
- work with cutting‑edge communications, control and digital systems that keep Queensland’s electricity network connected
- balance practical field work with funded study and training
- need to stay flexible as rosters and work locations change
- be required to live within 50km of your nominated depot
Most of your time will be spent in modern, air‑conditioned communications rooms, on sites across Queensland and alongside expert teams who will mentor you as you learn. If you want to earn while you learn, love technology, and see yourself growing into specialist or engineering roles - this pathway is a powerful way to start.
Qualifications on completion
This apprenticeship sets you up for a high‑tech career in communications, control and future engineering pathways.
On completion of this apprenticeship, you will have:
- Certificate III in Electronics and Communications
- Restricted electrical licence
- First aid certificate and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate
- High‑risk work licences (including elevated work platform (EWP)
- Communications cabling licence
You’ll also complete mandatory further study during your apprenticeship - either an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering. All funded by Powerlink.
Career pathways
When you finish, you’ll qualify as a Communications and Control Technician - a future‑focused role with real demand. Your future career pathways could lead to roles such as Communications and Control Technician or Specialist, Section Leader, Electrical Design Engineer or Project Manager.
Qualifications: Certificate III in Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) – Transmission Overhead (UET30521) and will qualify for a restricted electrical licence
Hear from Bruno about what it's like being a Transmission Linesperson Apprentice at Powerlink.
What to expect
If you love the outdoors, don’t mind heights, and want a career that’s anything but ordinary - you could be one of our future Linesperson Apprentices or 'Lineys' as they’re affectionately known.
This trade is all about the tall towers, poles and lines that connect electricity across the state – while it is not domestic electrical work - it is a role that puts you right in the action.
As a Transmission Linesperson Apprentice, you will:
- help inspect, maintain and upgrade the high‑voltage transmission lines that carry electricity across Queensland
- work at heights (up to 80 metres)
- spend your days on your feet working on the network with your crew
- travel regional and remote parts of Queensland working a 9-day fortnight
- learn from some of the best tradespeople in the industry who’ve got your back
- be in a hands‑on role that suits people who enjoy being active, working outdoors, and solving problems together
- wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
- follow strict safety procedures and systems
- balance flexible rosters, some overtime, and emergency response work
- live within 50km of the Virginia depot and have your own transport
- earn while you learn as part of a tight‑knit team that looks out for each other and takes pride in doing the job right.
Qualifications on completion
On completion this apprenticeship, you will have:
- Certificate III in ESI – Transmission Overhead (UET30521) and qualify for a restricted electrical licence
- First aid certificate and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate
- Working at heights certificate
- High risk work licences
- Heavy rigid truck licence.
If you’re keen on adventure, teamwork and building a unique career that really matters - becoming a Transmission Linesperson is an exciting way to scale up your career to new heights.
On completion of your apprenticeship, you’ll be qualified in your chosen stream, with real‑world experience to match.
Some apprentice streams also include additional mandatory tertiary study while you complete your apprenticeship, and you may also be offered further study options and an ongoing role with Powerlink (including relocation in Queensland if required).
Your benefits
As a Powerlink apprentice, you'll have access to:
- Competitive salary, plus 14.75% super
- Additional allowances and entitlements, plus annual incremental salary increases
- 9‑day fortnight, giving you a 3‑day weekend every second week
- Tools, equipment, uniforms, PPE and training costs
- Support for your safety, health and wellbeing, backed by programs and initiatives
- Licensing covered, with Powerlink paying required trade and professional licensing fees.
