Join the team at Western Power

Our apprenticeship program is run by nationally accredited trainers who are experts in their field. It’s hands on with both on and off the job training at our RTO (Power Training Services) and TAFEWA.

As a Western Power apprentice, you’ll learn to operate safely and effectively while working towards your trade qualification.

Applications for the 2021 apprentice program have now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied. 

Electricians

You’ll develop skills and knowledge in how to select, install, set up, test, fault find, repair and maintain electrical systems and equipment in building and premises. You'll work towards obtaining a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30811), which includes meeting the requirements for an electrical licence. The nominal term for this qualification is 48 months. 

What does the job require?

• A range of high-risk licensing
• A requirement to work in confined spaces and at heights
• Manual dexterity
• The ability to interpret complex instructions, designs and diagrams
• The ability to undertake complex calculations for the purposes of construction and load management
• The ability to adapt to changing conditions, e.g. Work location, weather, duration of work activities etc
• Installing and maintaining circuit breakers, transformers and switching equipment
• Installing and maintaining systems for controlling the distribution network
• Emergency electricity supply restoration
• Installing and maintaining metering and associated equipment
• Diagnosing and rectifying faults on the distribution network
• Connecting customers to the distribution network
• The necessity to work away from home from time to time
• The need to be very safety conscious
• The ability to work well in a team.

A Western Power apprentice electrician holds the same qualification as a household electrician, however they typically work in substations and other network assets. 

Mechanic (Heavy Vehicle)

You’ll learn to work effectively in the industry, including diagnosing and repairing drivelines, drive assemblies, engines, suspension, brakes, hydraulics, pneumatic systems, steering, wiring and circuits, welding, thermal cutting, and workplace safety and health.

You'll work towards obtaining a Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR31116).The nominal term for this qualification is 42 months. 

What does the job require?

• Inspect, test, diagnose, tune, overhaul, repair and maintain heavy vehicles and plant
• Detect mechanical and electrical faults and repair and maintain the hydraulic components of engines
• Use of electric, oxy, MIG and TIG welding machining or hand fitting processes to repair or replace defective parts
• Carry out routine servicing of vehicles and plant both on site and in a workshop
• Use of a variety of tools and welding equipment, electrical testing equipment and lifting equipment
• Interpret work orders and technician manuals
• Keep equipment cleaned, maintained and lubricated
• Write service reports
• Ensure all work undertaken meets the manufacturer’s specs as well as legislated regulations
• The need to be very safety conscious.

Lineworker

You’ll gain skills and knowledge in areas such as installation, maintenance and inspection of poles, structures and associated hardware used on poles and structures and work towards a Certificate III in ESI – Power Systems – Distribution Overhead. The nominal term for this qualification is 48 months. 

You'll work at different locations and in different outdoor conditions.  The work is physical, so you'll require a reasonable level of fitness. 

What does the job require?

• A range of high-risk licensing
• A requirement to lift, climb and work at heights up to 120 metres
• Manual dexterity
• The ability to interpret complex instructions, designs and diagrams
• The ability to undertake complex calculations for the purposes of construction and load management
• The ability to work in challenging and sometimes hazardous conditions and performing emergency response work
• The ability to climb poles and tower structures using a safety harness and work while hanging many feet above the ground
• Construction and maintenance of energised high voltage and low voltage distribution lines
• Diagnosing and rectifying faults on the distribution network
• Installation and maintenance of public lighting systems
• Testing and commissioning of distribution apparatus
• The ability to operate large equipment such as elevated work platforms and hydraulic drills
• The necessity to work away from home from time to time
• The need to be very safety conscious
• Work well in a team environment.

Cable Jointers

You’ll gain a broad range of skills and knowledge such as the laying, installation and maintenance of low and high voltage underground electrical cables as well as installation and maintenance of electrical equipment. You will work towards obtaining a Certificate III in ESI – Power Systems – Distribution Cable Jointing (UET30812). The nominal term for this qualification is 48 months. 

What does the job require?

• A range of high-risk licensing
• A requirement to be physically fit and the ability to lift heavy equipment including large cables on a regular basis
• A requirement to work in confined spaces
• Manual dexterity
• Conduct routine maintenance on the underground electricity supply network
• Join insulated electric power cables installed in underground conduits and trenches and prepares cable terminations for connection to electrical equipment and overhead lines
• Use of specialised tools and equipment to joint and terminate cables
• The ability to interpret complex instructions, designs and diagrams
• The ability to undertake complex calculations for the purposes of construction and load management
• The ability to work in challenging and sometimes hazardous conditions
• The need to be very safety conscious
• Work well in a team environment.

Need more information?

Read our FAQs on Western Power apprentices.

Our operational teams support the construction and maintenance of our network by maintaining the integrity of the network in a safe, reliable and affordable manner to ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity to our customers. Based in the field or in an office, our operational teams include electrical tradespeople, field trainers, electrical technicians, cable jointers and lineworkers.

At Western Power, we offer a diverse range of innovative and technical engineering roles where our experts research, plan, design and manage the South West Interconnected System. Our teams include civil/structural engineers, asset managers, control room engineers and operators, electrical engineers, engineering managers, planning engineers, project managers, principal engineers, SCADA technicians, communications and protection engineers and technicians.

We offer a variety of professional and corporate roles that support the delivery of an essential service to the Western Australian community. Our teams include commercial, finance, accounting, communications, safety health and environment, information technology, legal, risk and compliance, administration, business support and call centre professionals.

Western Power offers a wide range of on-the-job programs to ambitious graduates who are looking for hands-on experience and access to some of the best minds in the business. Our programs include electrical engineering graduate programs, vacation schemes for electrical engineers and scholarships to high school students entering university.

​​​​​Flexible working, diversity, friendly team mates and a variety of work - these are just some of the things our graduates love about Western Power. Find out what a day in the life of a graduate involves on our GradAustralia profile. 

Electrical Engineering Graduate Program

This program runs over three years and gives you exposure to all areas of the business – from communications to protection to design and systems. You'll not only develop a strong understanding of our business, you'll also build great relationships with industry professionals and peers.

Vacation scheme

We offer a range of vacation employment opportunities electrical engineering students. Working on projects relating to electrical power engineering, this is a fantastic way to apply what you are learning to real challenges out in the field.

To qualify for a position on our vacation scheme, you will need to be:

• currently undertaking power engineering units
• available for work from late November to early February
• a holder of a current driver's licence
• able to work anywhere in the Perth metropolitan area
• eligible to work in Australia.

Preference will be given to students who are approaching their final year.

Work experience

We offer a number of work experience placements during the year, dependant on scheduling and availability. The majority of our work experience offered is field based, predominantly for those completing a Certificate II in an electrical field where part of the requirement of the qualification is to complete field-based work experience.

These unpaid placements usually vary from one week to up to four weeks, and is a unique chance to see first hand how we operate.

Business trainees

A traineeship provides an entry level pathway into Western Power as part of a formal Traineeship Program while you complete a Certificate III or Certificate IV in Business. 

You’ll develop and gain knowledge and experience through both the formal qualification and exposure to the technical, operational and safety aspects of the business. 

These positions suit individuals who have recently completed year 11 or 12 and are ready to commence a career in Administration.  A Western Power traineeship is a maximum term twelve month contract.

Student scholarships

Western Power offers a number of scholarships to support university students through their study. For more information please contact recruitment@westernpower.com.au.