2027 Apprentice Program Townsville - Communications and Control

Apprentice possibilities start with us.

Joining this apprenticeship, you will work with the secondary systems field team, on communications equipment in substations and remote communication hubs across Queensland. This apprenticeship is field-based and all about continuous learning, industry-leading supervision, and nationally recognised qualifications.  

On completion of the four-year program, you’ll achieve a UEE30920 Certificate III in Electronics and Communications and will qualify for a restricted electrical licence. 

It is mandatory to complete further study – either an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering, commencing during your 4-year apprenticeship. 

Working on a 9-day roster, you will travel across Queensland with your team, earning while you learn from industry leaders in a supportive and collaborative environment

Why choose a Secondary Systems Communications and Control Apprenticeship?

Based in Townsville, you’ll work as part of a skilled crew delivering the implementation and maintenance of Powerlink’s digital and telecommunications network, primary plant and equipment across substations throughout Queensland. This work keeps our network communicating in real time; especially when it matters most. 

This apprenticeship stream builds skills in communications, control and digital technologies that keep Queensland’s high‑voltage transmission network safe, reliable and connected. 

•  A competitive salary: Secondary Systems - Communications and Control Apprenticeships with mandatory tertiary study start from $80,509 + 14.75% (for school leavers and under 21 years of age) and $92,082 + 14.75% (over 21 years of age) 
• Annual incremental salary increases, with a range of allowances and financial benefits, including living away from home and other entitlements
• Working hands-on, indoors and outdoors, connecting our customers to live HV substations and testing primary plant under strong safety systems and supervision 
• Travelling to regional and remote sites as needed, including frequent time away from home and some overtime
• Working at heights (up to 15 metres) when required
• Completing nationally accredited training at TAFE and study to meet apprenticeship timeframes. All tuition costs are covered by us
• Commencing your engineering pathway by starting your Associate Degree/Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering within the required timeframes 

The Program.

Over four years, you’ll complete a Certificate III and mandatory tertiary study (Associate Degree or Advanced Diploma), building capability to progress to a Communications and Control Engineering Officer role. 

You’ll work safely with experienced specialists across Powerlink’s substations, communications hubs and primary plant, supported by on‑the‑job learning and TAFE training to build job‑ready skills on time. 

This apprenticeship is technical, varied and rewarding, and is well suited to people who enjoy practical work, teamwork and a safety‑focused environment where no two days are the same. You’ll also complete internal and external training including but not limited to:   

• First aid certificate and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate  
• High risk work licences (including elevated work platform, rigging and dogging, and forklift)   
• Defensive driving 
• Technical training 

What you'll need by January 2027:

• A manual licence and your own vehicle to travel to site when required
• Live within 50 km of your nominated point of hire
• For school leavers, a pass in Year 12 English and Maths methods or Specialist Maths and any science 
• For over 21, no educational pre-requisites required

Find your possiblity

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You are welcome here.

You are welcome here at Powerlink, regardless of sex, race, culture, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity.

As part of our Reconciliation Action Plan, we’re committed to building long-term employment opportunities for First Nations peoples. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

As a Veteran Employment Supporter, we highly value the skills Veterans bring. Let us know if you're a Veteran for tailored support.

Successful applicants will undergo necessary pre-employment checks. As part of our commitment to maintaining a positive candidate experience, we pledge to provide a timely response to all applicants.

Powerlink acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the skies, lands, and waters of Queensland and in particular, the lands on which we operate.