New apprentice with electricity provider

Umina resident Mr Paul Hickey is one of six new apprentices to work as frontline emergency electricity supply workers from the Central Coast to be formally welcomed into his new role

State Minister for Resources and Energy Mr Chris Hartcher congratulated the new apprentices starting their training for electricity network provider Ausgrid as line workers, cable jointers and electrical and motor mechanics.

Mr Hartcher said the new recruits would spend the next four years learning their trade while helping to keep the electricity network safe and reliable.

"This new group of apprentices from the Central Coast have a big job ahead of them," Mr Hartcher said.

"They will help complete one of the country's largest infrastructure programs and deliver new programs to make our network more efficient and smarter for homes and businesses.

"They are being trained in the classroom, but also on the job, helping to deliver a $600 million replacement and upgrade of the electricity network across the region.

"Ausgrid now employs more than 350 workers on the Central Coast, based at Gosford, Noraville, Tuggerah and Somersby.

"I wish all these new workers a safe, secure and long term career in this industry."

Ausgrid managing director Mr George Maltabarow said the apprentices would be trained at the new Learning Centre in Silverwater or other training centres in Wallsend and Muswellbrook.

Media Release, 23 Mar 2012 Caroline Hutcherson, Office of Chris Hartcher MP