January 25, 2024
Two South Burnett high school students are part of a new cadetship program in the energy industry, thanks to a partnership between Ergon Energy Network, Energex and TAFE Queensland.
Eighteen students from across south-west Queensland have been selected to take part in the program offered through TAFE Queensland’s Kingaroy, Warwick, Roma, Chinchilla and Ipswich campuses.
Lochlan Burrows, from Kingaroy State High School, and Breeanah Bradley, from Murgon State High School, are the local participants.
A TAFE spokesperson said the practical cadetship program had been specifically designed for rural and regional high school students interested in jump-starting their careers in Queensland’s booming energy industry.
Students will attain a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) (UEE2201) qualification over four terms and will gain the skills needed to safely undertake basic electrotechnology work, solve problems in extra-low voltage single-path and multiple-path DC circuits, as well as learn about sustainable energy solutions.
The cadets will attend weekly online workshops and on-campus practical days led by TAFE Queensland teachers.
They will also do work experience at Ergon and Energex depots, including Kingaroy, Murgon, Yarraman and Kilkivan.
Lochlan will gain practical work experience at Ergon’s Kingaroy depot.
“I’m hoping this course would lead me to an electrical apprenticeship, opening the door to start my electrical training,” he said.
“This industry could provide me with the opportunity to grow as a young person and provide me with financial stability to help me reach my goals and dreams.”
The cadets will also attain a General Safety Induction course (White Card), an industry requirement to work on Queensland construction sites, and some of the units needed for the first stage of an electrical apprenticeship.
