From powerline workers to customer service trainees and graduate engineers, Essential Energy proudly celebrated the graduation of its apprentices, trainees, and graduates at the Wests Tamworth Leagues club last night, August 14.
With 43 of the 66 graduates attending the ceremony in person from across regional, rural, and remote New South Wales, the night was a powerful reflection of the depth of talent emerging from regional communities across the state.
From field crews in remote locations to trainees in community relations and service delivery, and graduate recruits in IT and commerce, the Class of 2025 reflects the diversity, adaptability and spirit needed to support communities through the evolving energy landscape.
For many graduates, this milestone is the result of years of hard work, hands-on learning and growth. It also marks the beginning of a career within a growing skilled workforce that will support regional communities and help to deliver on Australia’s energy transition.
According to Essential Energy’s Chief Operations, People and Safety Officer, Amalie Smith, the graduates will play a vital role in maintaining a safe, reliable network and supporting the shift to renewables, electrification and smarter energy systems.
“This is an incredibly exciting time to be entering the energy sector. Our graduates are stepping into roles that will help shape a smarter, more sustainable future for communities across New South Wales and are key to building the network of the future,” said Smith,
The ceremony also recognised the collective effort of trainers, mentors, and teams across the business who support and shape the nationally recognised training program, which was named the 2024 Australian Apprenticeships Employer of Choice.
Among the highlights of the evening was the announcement of this year’s award winners, honouring demonstrated excellence in safety, performance, leadership, and alignment with the organisation’s core values.
Award winners for 2025:
2025 Apprentice/Trainee of the Year – Jake Barlow (Kyogle depot)
Female Apprentice/Trainee of the Year – Finnlay Naylor (Grafton depot)
David Britten Award for Peer Excellence – John Scanlon (Barraba depot)
Powerline Worker Apprentices of the Year – Jordan Smith – Central Region (Canowindra Depot), Jake Barlow – Northern Region (Kyogle depot), Seth Robins – Southern Region (Griffith Depot)
Dux of the Year – Jordan Smith (Canowindra Depot)
Semi-Dux of the Year – Sam Humphries (Wagga depot)
Electrical Technician Apprentice of the Year – Angus Crelley (South West Substation)
Cable Jointer Apprentice of the Year – Daniel Anderson (Tweed Heads depot)
Safety, Culture, Community Award – Daniel Hart (Braidwood depot)
First Nations Apprentice/ Trainee of the Year –Jessica McLeod (Far North Coast substation)
First Nations Apprentice/Trainee of the Year – Sam Humphries (Wagga depot)
Asset Inspector Trainee of the Year – Dylan Jones (Albury Depot)
The program continues to grow each year, as does the increasing demand for skilled workers in the industry to support the rapid pace of the energy transition. Essential Energy will continue to develop and expand their training initiatives and new pathways, with a strong focus on capability building.
The calibre of this year’s graduates highlights the strength of the program and its potential to contribute more broadly to closing the skills gap in the transition to renewable energy. Essential Energy is exploring ways to extend its training offerings beyond the organisation through initiatives like its proposed training academy to help build capability across the sector. As a leader in the energy transition, Essential Energy is well-positioned to harness its knowledge, expertise and industry-leading education to power the workforce of the future.
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