We believe life’s about possibilities. And so is the future. That’s what the Powerlink team does for a living. It’s why we do what we do.
It’s about making all those little moments in life possible, then connecting them together to create something bigger. Something that matters. Something that lasts.
It’s about every light turned on. Every conversation started. Every experience shared and every relationship built. It’s every goal accomplished, and every lesson learned. It’s every community connected, and every future made possible.
The same goes for your career with us. It’s your opportunity to connect, achieve and grow.
Here, you’ll build a progressive career connecting more than five million Queenslanders and 253,000 businesses to a world-class, clean energy future.
You’ll help find clever solutions to interesting problems, as you grow your skills and your impact every day.
And you’ll do it with down-to-earth people who you’re proud to work with and get to know.
Together, we’re connecting Queensland to an even brighter and more sustainable future. And that starts with you.
HERE'S A SNAPSHOT...
1,300Employees
4Locations
1995Founded in
Pathways into Power
Powerlink have opportunities for talented individuals across a range of areas – all of which play an important role in connecting Queenslanders to a world-class energy future.
As an industry leader, we recognise the important role we play in developing the future of energy and the next generation of talent. Our team of highly-skilled professionals operate and maintain Queensland’s transmission network, and we are committed to supporting our people to be the best they can be.
If you’re passionate about shaping Queensland’s energy system of the future, there’s never been a better time to join our team of experts. We have multiple development opportunities available to suit your individual career aspirations.
ELECTRICAL-BASED APPRENTICESHIPS
Our apprenticeships are four-year, fully-paid programs, where you will complete your trade along with a range of other qualifications such as First Aid, working at heights, heavy vehicle, and high risk work licences.
Our engineers work in a range of roles from portfolio planning through to electrical systems design, project delivery, technical solutions and network operations.
Powerlink partners with universities to provide work experience opportunities for school students to give you a taste of engineering.
We offer Vacation Programs for university students, and Graduate Programs once you’ve completed your degree in Engineering, Computer Science or IT.
What makes a great engineer?
A love for problem solving
Critical thinking
Attention to detail
Strong sense of time and structure
Big picture perspective
Adaptability and a love for change
Strong communication and teamwork skills
ADMINISTRATION TRAINEESHIPS
Our Administration Traineeship is a 12-month, fully paid program.
It’s a great opportunity to gain experience and kick off your career. With a February and August intake each year, our trainees complete a Certificate III in Business through on-the-job and structured learning. You’ll need to complete Year 12, passing Maths and English.
LABORATORY TRAINEESHIPS
Our Laboratory Traineeship is a three-year, fully paid program.
You will learn from the Technicians and Specialists in Powerlink’s Laboratory Services team whilst you complete a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques as well a Diploma in Laboratory Technology. You’ll need to complete Year 12 with a pass in Chemistry.
Apprenticeship possibilities start with us
If you’re looking for a career that matters and that will last, then an Apprenticeship with Powerlink could be right for you.
If you’re passionate about exploring how electricity works, solving complex problems, working away in remote locations, working outdoors, safety, working with your hands, taking initiative to get things done, working with a team and working at heights (our linespeople work on towers up to 80 metres high!), then one of our apprenticeships is just for you!
These exciting opportunities based in either Brisbane or Gladstone, are in the following streams:
ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIP
UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
(Optional to complete further study – either an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering)
LINESPERSON APPRENTICESHIP
UET30521 Certificate III in ESI – Transmission Overhead
COMMUNICATIONS AND CONTROL APPRENTICESHIP
UEE30920 Certificate III in Electronics and Communications
(Mandatory to complete further study – either an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering)
Here are just some of the benefits of completing your apprenticeship with Powerlink.
All college fees are covered by us
Your own toolkit provided by Powerlink
Your uniform and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided
Work-life balance with nine day fortnight roster
Attractive salary with yearly increases (you get paid while you learn!)
Learn from industry leading mentors
Rotations through various areas of the business with exposure to different technical specialisations
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
To be eligible as a school leaver, you’ll need to complete Year 12, passing Maths, Science and English, be willing to get your manual driver’s license, and have your own transport to travel to work sites.
You’ll have a genuine interest in how electricity works, like being hands on, have a strong work ethic as well as good communication and team work skills.
A Certificate II in Electrotechnology would be helpful, but isn’t a requirement.
To find out more about our apprenticeship programs, contact our Early Talent Team (earlytalent@powerlink.com.au).
Electrical Apprenticeship
UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
(Optional to complete further study – either an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering)
Powerlink’s High Voltage Electricians have the knowledge to select, install, set up, test, fault find, repair and maintain electrical systems and equipment in buildings and premises. Where this type of work is carried out, you need to have an electrical licence.
This trade is not to be confused with the electricians who work in your house. Electricians at Powerlink are specialised professionals who work on the State-wide transmission network in Queensland.
During your four-year, fully paid apprenticeship, you will complete:
A nationally recognised qualification Certificate III Electrotechnology Electrician
First aid certificate and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate
High risk work licences (including elevated work platform, rigging and dogging, and forklift)
Heavy rigid truck licence
Transmission Linesperson Apprentice
UET30521 Certificate III in ESI – Transmission Overhead
Our Lines Team work on overhead transmission lines including the installation, inspection and maintenance of towers, poles, structures, conductors and hardware.
This trade is not to be confused with an electrical apprenticeship. It is focused more on the infrastructure such as transmission towers and conductors (the lines) in between.
During your four year, fully paid apprenticeship, you will complete:
A nationally recognised Certificate III ESI Power Systems
First aid certificate and Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate
Working at heights certificate
High risk work licences (including elevated work platform, rigging and dogging, and forklift)
Heavy rigid truck licence
Communications and Control Apprenticeship
UEE30920 Certificate III in Electronics and Communications
(Mandatory to complete further study – either an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering)
A Communications and Control Technician is able to select, install, setup, test, fault find, repair and maintain electronic equipment and devices at component/sub assembly level.
You are part of the secondary systems field crew working on the communications equipment in substations and remote communication hubs.
This trade is not to be confused with an electrical apprenticeship. It is based on telecommunications which is a restricted electrical licence (you would be working with lower voltage equipment).
During your four year, fully paid program, you will complete:
A nationally recognised Certificate III in Electronics and Communications
First Aid certificate + Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate
High risk work licences including Elevated Work Platform (EWP)
Communications Cabling Licence
Mandatory to complete further study – either an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering
Inclusion at Powerlink
We are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and supports our people to be the best they can be.
We know that by harnessing the diversity of our people, we will be better positioned to deliver the innovative solutions required for the complex problems we face now, and in the future.
We also know that by ensuring our practices are inclusive we will enable our people to fully contribute, bringing their diverse perspectives and experiences to everything they do.
To help us improve our outcomes we are focused on the following diversity and inclusion areas:
Gender equality
People with a disability
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
LGBTQIA+
Flexible work
Domestic and Family Violence
Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
Communities of Practice
Powerlink’s Diversity and Inclusion Communities of Practice are an important way to raise awareness and promote diversity and inclusion at Powerlink. They are open for everyone to join. We are proud to have four diversity and inclusion Communities of Practice:
Gender Diversity in Energy
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Governance Group
Inclusive Energy
PRIDE in Power
Each Community of Practice is an employee-led action group, with senior leader sponsorship.
Innovation Reconciliation Action Plan
At Powerlink we are committed to reconciliation and value the guidance the oldest living cultures in the world can provide in our journey to transition to a more sustainable future.
We aim to create a work culture and environment where the importance of First Nations cultures are valued and celebrated, and all staff and partners feel safe to engage and thrive.
Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) (Honours), 2021
QUT (Queensland University of Technology)
A day in my life as a graduate in Powerlink’s Incident Management team (FRIDAY)
5:20 AM
The sound of my alarm jolts me awake, however, my reaction to leave the comfort of my bed is a hard bond to break. After mustering enough enthusiasm, I go and enjoy a refreshing hot shower. After I’m dressed in my work attire, I head to the kitchen to prepare a strong cup of coffee and a quick breakfast. As I sip my coffee, I take a moment to gather my thoughts and mentally prepare for the day.
6:40 AM
I leave my house, bracing myself for the busy traffic on the streets. Despite my best efforts, I don’t arrive at work until around 7:10 AM. However, I use this extra time during the commute to listen to podcasts or Triple M.
7:15 AM
Finally settled at my desk, I fire up my computer and dive into my emails and the incident management system. Real-time faults and incidents may have come through, so I quickly assess their urgency and prioritize my responses. I’m well-versed in handling these situations, and I swiftly start investigating and resolving the most critical issues.
9:00 AM
The morning has been a whirlwind of troubleshooting and analysis. I’ve been communicating with network controllers, providing them with regular updates on fault statuses for priority investigations. Their insights and expertise are invaluable in navigating complex issues and ensuring a swift resolution.
10:30 AM
It’s time for the weekend standby meeting, held over Microsoft Teams. I join the virtual conference, ready to share any significant issues that arose throughout the week. I provide updates on ongoing investigations and discuss action plans with the on-call employee. This collaborative session sets the stage for a seamless transition into the weekend.
11:00 AM
With the meeting concluded, I return to my investigations, delving deeper into fault analysis. I analyse system logs, review data, and collaborate closely with team members, network controllers and other relevant teams. Together, we work to identify the root causes of faults and implement effective solutions, ensuring the stability and reliability of Queensland’s transmission network.
12:00 PM
Lunchtime finally arrives, and I take a well-deserved break. I enjoy leftovers from the delicious meal that was prepared the night before. It’s a satisfying and cost-effective way to enjoy a nutritious lunch while catching up with colleagues or taking a moment for myself.
12:30 PM
Reinvigorated after lunch, I dive back into my work, resuming my fault analysis work. I generate reports, document my findings, and communicate with various stakeholders, such as Energy Queensland, AEMO, Work Control Managers (WCM’s), and network controllers. Collaboration and effective communication are key to gaining valuable insights, maintaining customer relations, implementing robust solutions, and provides the stakeholder and network controllers updates on the progress of priority investigations. This open communication ensures that everyone is informed and can work together towards a swift resolution.
4:00 PM
As the end of my shift approaches, I concentrate on wrapping up ongoing investigations and documenting my findings. I finalise service requests I am responsible for, update my personal notes for ongoing investigations that carry over into the following week, and share my knowledge with the wider team. Clear and concise documentation is crucial for future reference and streamlining incident response processes.
4:15 PM
After a fulfilling day at work, I head home feeling accomplished. I leave behind the demands of the day and eagerly look forward to spending quality time with my loved ones, pursuing personal interests, such as exercise or gaming, or simply relax and recharge.
6:00 PM
It’s time for my weekly tennis fixtures at my local tennis club. I grab my racquet, change into my sports attire, and head to the courts. For the next two and a half hours, I indulge in the thrill of the game, fostering a healthy work-life balance.
8:30 PM
My matches conclude. Having won or lost, I feel a mix of satisfaction and exhaustion. I end the night by heading home, enjoy a hot shower, indulge in some food my partner has cooked (Friday night is her night to cook) and settle in for some Netflix, all before crawling back into bed.
As a graduate in Powerlink’s Incident Management team, each day presents new challenges and opportunities for growth. Navigating real-time faults, collaborating with diverse teams, and conducting thorough fault analysis of complex issues are at the core of my role. With a focus on attentiveness, critical thinking, effective communication and a passion for problem-solving, I strive to maintain the stability and reliability of our power network so we can provide uninterrupted service for Queensland customers.
Meet Aiden
Development Engineer
Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours), 2023
The University of Queensland
I have recently begun my first rotation in the Secondary Systems Support team, predominantly working within a sub-team assisting in the commissioning of Powerlink’s new Energy Management System (EMS). This unique rotation allows me to gain on-site exposure to a broad variety of projects alongside Secondary Systems Support Engineers as well as experience working with the new EMS.
5.45 AM
Alarm goes off, I wake up and get my things ready for work… IT’S FRIDAY!
6:00 AM
Jump in the car for a short 15 minute drive to the Virginia head office in Brisbane, park onsite, swipe my access card a few times and I’m in ready for the day. Morning workout at the onsite gym facilities and I have the whole place to myself this morning, Sweet! Quick shower and get changed ready for work.
7:25 AM
I start my day in the office, replying to emails and completing my routine task of assessing and keeping record any commissioned/de-commissioned configuration/firmware changes to specific secondary systems equipment that have been logged as change requests.
From here my day often varies between:
Working in the test centre – generally building Remote Terminal Unit panels used to test functionality of the new EMS.
Training – recent training has included secondary circuit isolation, CT isolation and earthing procedures and implementation of secondary systems works programs.
Heading out to site with secondary systems support engineers on active projects.
Today I’m doing the latter.
8:00 AM
Drive out to a Powerlink substation near Ipswich with the Secondary Systems Support Engineer, Commissioning Manager and Project Manager responsible for the project along with another graduate engineer undertaking their rotation in commissioning. The aim of the trip being to scope out and run through the Secondary Systems works to be carried out on site in the upcoming weeks.
9:00 AM
After a quick breakfast detour we arrive on site, check in with Network Operations and have a hazard assessment conversation breaking down the works to be completed, the hazards present and the risks associated.
9:30 AM
We begin by identifying the plant to be worked on and confirming that the current state of works on site match current records followed by a few short online meetings.
11:00 AM
The commissioning manager gave me a brief rundown on the previous works undertaken on site, both out in the switchyard and within the control buildings. We discussed the differences between various substation design standards implemented across the control rooms, outlining the importance of the key differences and evolution of substation design particularly focusing on secondary systems and telecommunications design.
12:30 PM
We ran through the works program step-by-step identifying any issues present and making minor changes where necessary. This showed me the importance of getting out to site before work is commenced to identify nuances that may alter the flow of work or unseen issues that may require alternate precautions.
2:30 PM
We check-out of the substation and head off back to the office stopping in quickly for a late lunch on the way home.
4:00 PM
Time to knock off for the day. 4pm is a great time to finish to avoid the bulk of traffic, right in between school pickup at 3pm and typical 5pm traffic. Quick meal prep for dinner and take Alfie for an off-lead walk along the river praying he doesn’t jump in the mud…. He jumped in the mud.
7:00 PM
Quiet Friday night dinner at home and then struggle to find a movie to watch for half an hour before inevitably settling on the first one we originally looked at and finally off to bed.
Life at Powerlink
There’s lots to love about a career with Powerlink. But our people say that there are 3 things that really stand out:
A career that matters and lasts: You’ll shape a progressive career connecting more than five million Queenslanders to a world-class, clean energy future.
Unique work and the chance to grow: You’ll find smart solutions to interesting problems as you develop your skills and impact every day.
People who love to support and share: You’ll build relationships with experienced, down-to-earth people who you’ll be proud to work with.
We offer a broad range of inclusive benefits such as competitive remuneration, employment security and flexible work arrangements. We also want our benefits to be as unique as our employees are:
Diverse Leave Options
We provide access to a broad range of leave options to support our employees both professionally and personally. This includes:
Public holiday swap
14 weeks paid parental leave – at full or half pay
Paid volunteer leave
Paid study leave
Paid domestic and family violence leave
Paid natural disturbance leave
Paid international sporting events leave
Additional leave purchasing
Special leave without pay to pursue long-term study or a career break
Parents and Carers Support
In addition to the leave options available to parents and carers, we have partnered with Circle In to create a personalised parents, carers and wellbeing platform for dedicated support and resources. We also offer a multipurpose retreat room at our Virginia office and working away pump/express kits.
Professional Development Costs
We’ll cover our employees professional and trade skills licensing fees where required by legislation as well as RPEQ registration fees.
End of Trip Facilities
We offer free parking at Gladstone, Townsville and Virginia sites and access to electric charging stations at Virginia.
Our Virginia site offers on-site showers, lockers and bike facilities for your end of trip needs.
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Gender Equality at Powerlink
As a Work180 pre-screened and endorsed employer, we are a company committed to raising workplace standards for all women.
At Powerlink we offer to women and in fact all employees the ability to access:
Paid pre-parental leave
Paid parental leave up to 14 weeks or 28 weeks half pay
Paid and unpaid parental leave for non-primary caregivers
10 days paid ‘keeping in touch days’ while on extended parental leave
Swap public holidays for times when it suits you and your personal needs
Flexible working arrangements, which can include a mix of options including work from home, compressed working weeks, part-time hours, job share, purchased annual leave scheme, flexible start and finish times
Powerlink strives to achieve a balanced representation of gender and diversity across leadership groups, work teams, committees and panels. Women represent 57% of Board membership*, 30% Executive and Senior leadership*, and 24% of the total Powerlink workforce*. All interview panels require diverse panel membership and intakes for annual development programs including Apprentices, Engineering Officers and Graduate Engineers all focus on attracting a mixed applicant pool representative of the community we serve.
Powerlink supports an active Womxn in Engineering+ group consisting of passionate women that advocate and promote opportunities for women in the engineering industry, and recently launched Gender Diversity in Energy; an employee-led a group that supports gender equity initiatives across the employee life cycle, building gender balance across all work streams and activities that support Powerlink to be an employer of choice for all genders.
Career development, training programs and succession planning are all underpinned by a focus on supporting and developing women to be their best. Powerlink currently supports a woman engineer participating in a national Powerful Women program, a new industry-focused and delivered leadership program for technically oriented roles in the power sector.
Powerlink actively and visibly supports events aimed at raising the profile and opportunities of women, including International Women’s Day, inspiring the next generation of women at University level and vocational forums, regular feature stories published by Work180, external news articles and employee communication channels.
“Everyone benefits from gender diversity, but the burden of promoting gender equity too often falls on people who don’t identify as men. I want Powerlink to be a place where people of all genders can respectfully bring their full, authentic selves and thrive” – John Pynakker, Gender Diversity in Energy Co-Chair
“Societies that value all genders and treat them equally thrive. Co-chairing the COP is one way I can influence a more equal future for myself, my colleagues and my children” – Faith Byers, Gender Diversity in Energy Co-Chair
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
At Powerlink, we value and celebrate the diversity of our community.
Our commitment to reconciliation reflects our belief that Powerlink should reflect the communities in which we operate and be inclusive of those communities. Powerlink acknowledges and appreciates the importance of Indigenous knowledge, history and culture, respects and values the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples and recognises the many challenges facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
A key part of our reconciliation commitment is acknowledging the impacts of past acts and the continuing legacy of intergenerational trauma. Respecting the more than 60,000 years of history that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples share as the Traditional Custodians of this land and learn from their rich traditions and customs.
Powerlink is committed to creating a work environment in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples cultures, beliefs and values are acknowledged and respected, and in which the individual career goals and personal aims of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff are identified, promoted and achieved in an environment of cultural safety.
Powerlink Queensland joins a network of more than 1,100 corporate, government, and not-for-profit organisations that have made a formal commitment to reconciliation through the RAP program. These outcomes contribute toward the five dimensions of reconciliation: race relations, equality and equity, institutional integrity, unity, and historical acceptance. It is critical to uphold all dimensions of reconciliation and to increase awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge, and leadership across all sectors of Australian society.
Powerlink actively and visibly supports events aimed at raising the profile and opportunities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples, including National Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week.
“I am a proud Gooreng Gooreng Woman with connections to the South Sea Islander peoples. I am the Chair of the RAP Working Group and want to use my position and influence to share my culture with the business. I want to break down negative stereotypes and build up strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders” – Kayal, RAP Governance Group Chair
There are currently no jobs available
Unfortunately there are currently no positions available at Powerlink Queensland, please check back soon.
