Apprenticeships
Gain trade qualifications from diverse learning environments offered in the Western Power apprenticeship program.
Our apprenticeship program is run by nationally accredited trainers who are experts in their field. It’s a hands-on apprenticeship, with both on and off-the-job training at our RTO (Power Training Services) and TAFEWA.
When completing your Western Power apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to perform electrical work safely and effectively while working towards your trade qualification.
We’re proud to be an inclusive, socially progressive business that celebrates the differences and talents of our people that make our workforce stronger, smarter, kinder, and more creative.
We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Australians, people with disabilities, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, women, young and mature age workers, and members of the LGBTQI+ community to join us in creating a workforce reflective of the communities we serve.
2025 Apprentice Program
Expressions of interest are now open for our 2025 apprenticeships.
Electrical Apprenticeship
As an electrical apprentice, you’ll develop skills and knowledge in how to to select, set up and install, test, fault-find, repair and maintain electrical systems and equipment in buildings and industrial environments.
You'll work towards obtaining a Certificate III in Engineering – Industrial Electrician (MEM31219), which includes meeting the requirements for an electrical licence. The nominal term for this qualification is 48 months.
The nominal term for this qualification is 48 months.
Being an electrical apprentice at Western Power
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 Apprenticeship
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 (AUR31120). The nominal term for this qualification is 48 months
Being a mechanical apprentice at Western Power
Lineworker Apprenticeship
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 Apprenticeship
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 – Distribution Overhead (UET30621). 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.
Being a lineworker apprentice at Western Power
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 Jointer Apprenticeship
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 – Distribution Underground (UET30821). 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.
FAQs
Each registered apprenticeship is for a set period of four years.
During the four years of your apprenticeship you will undertake regular off the job training learning the trade skills you require. Back in the workplace you will be guided and mentored by qualified and experienced colleagues to apply these skills while working on the Western Power network.
A Certificate II in Electrotechnology for our electrical apprenticeships and a Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology for our mechanical apprenticeship, whilst not a pre‐requisite is looked upon favourably. Depending on the apprenticeship you will also need to have completed either year 11 or 12 secondary education with English and strong Mathematics.
Apprentices with Western Power are paid a commencing rate of $49,915 plus 11% superannuation. For mature age students the commencing rate is $59,476 plus 11% superannuation per annum. This is paid fortnightly, and progression occurs annually on satisfactory performance and completion of assessments through the year.
At Western Power safety is our number one value. Safety training is a priority for the organisation and both employees and apprentices are continually updated on safety best practice. As a Western Power apprentice, you will be expected to operate safely and effectively.
The ordinary hours of work are 37.5 hours per week. As you become more experienced there may be a need for additional hours (overtime) dependent on business needs.
This apprenticeship is a fixed term contract for four years. Once and apprentice has completed their qualification and deemed competent they will be offered a full-time position in a trade-qualified role.