Full Version - Essential Energy

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We appreciate that our people will differentiate us from
our competitors. Employees are our most significant
asset and we continue to invest in them because
employee development is a key driver in meeting our
goals – as an employer of choice and Australia’s leading
utility business.
Celebrating gold
Our groundbreaking Indigenous Employment Program
was recognised with a gold medal in the New South
Wales Premier’s Public Sector Awards in November
2004.
Thirty nine indigenous apprentices and trainees
currently work across the State. Of the 58 apprentices
employed in 2005, eight were indigenous Australians.
Four indigenous trainees are also completing a
Certificate II in Powerline Distribution during 2005.
The award-winning program focuses on providing
equal access and representation from the indigenous
community, partnering with indigenous recruitment
services, pre-employment training and mentoring,
using indigenous trainers, assessors and support
teams, face-to-face training methods and working
with contacts within indigenous communities.
Future goals – ensure a minimum of 10 per cent
of new apprentices are indigenous. Host a series of
indigenous awareness seminars during 2005-2006 to
help employees learn more about indigenous culture,
working with indigenous workmates and customers
and the importance of our Indigenous Employment
Program.
Jobs growth
Our apprentice program is tangible proof that Country
Energy is serious about improving jobs growth and
career opportunities. Employing new apprentices,
trainees and employees is part of our long-term plan
to renew our ageing workforce, strengthen field crews
and improve service levels across the State. The
program complements our five-year, $1.2 billion network
program, which will cement improvements to reliability
and overall service delivery and is helping to retain
locally-based, qualified skills to meet the needs of our
customers well into the future.
In February 2005, we reinforced our reputation as one
of regional New South Wales’ largest employers of
apprentices by recruiting 58 apprentice lineworkers
and electrical technicians.
The new influx included two women and eight
indigenous apprentices, who are now based at 44
different locations. More than 2,000 applications were
received, with interest from as far afield as Adelaide,
Brisbane, Darwin and New Zealand.
Currently, we have 98 first year apprentices, 81 second
year apprentices, 90 third year apprentices and 72
fourth year apprentices, including four females. These
include cable joiners, lineworkers, gas fitters, electrical
technicians, fitter machinists and communications
specialists. The average age of apprentices is 25 years.
To ensure apprentices emerge well-rounded,
their training involves regular classroom and field
performance assessments, training camps and
experience in all aspects of service delivery.
It has become common for apprentices to work so
industriously that they complete their apprenticeships
early and are offered a permanent position.
Over the past four years, we have maintained an
average apprentice retention rate of more than 80
per cent. Of the 35 apprentices who completed their
training in 2004-2005, 30 were employed full-time by
Country Energy.
75 new recruits
During the reporting period, we began the search for 75
would-be electrical and water apprentices and trainees
– the highest intake for Country Energy in three years.
The fresh intake in early 2006 will push the number of
new apprentices created by Country Energy to more
than 350.
The highly sought after apprenticeships are being
offered in 56 communities across the State, from
Wentworth and Moama in the south, west to Broken
Hill and north to Tweed Heads. Of the 72 new
apprenticeships, 58 are for powerline workers, 11
for electrical technicians, two for underground cable
joiners and one for a communications specialist.
Three water industry trainees will be based in Broken
Hill and Menindee.
We will also continue to promote indigenous
employment through our award-winning Indigenous
Employment Program, which saw 11 indigenous
apprentices join the company in 2005 and eight in
2004. Similar numbers are expected in 2006.
Future goals – Recruit 75 new electrical and
water apprentices and trainees in 2006, including
approximately 10 per cent indigenous apprentices.
COUNTRY ENERGY ANNUAL REPORT 2004–2005