Country Energy celebrates apprentice success

September 7, 2009

The growth of Country Energy’s apprenticeship program, and the success of its participants, was celebrated last Thursday in Moree when apprentices from Bingara, Goondiwindi, Moree, and Narrabri graduated as fully-qualified tradespeople.


Peter Anderson of Bingara and Country Energy’s Regional General Manager, Matt Patterson.

Forty four graduating apprentices have been recognised across the New England North West at graduations held in Armidale, Moree, and Tamworth.

Country Energy’s regional general manager, Matt Patterson, said the apprentice graduation ceremonies was a show of commitment to the 1,500 communities which it supplies an essential service to, providing skilled, long-term career opportunities, and in turn boosting local economies.

“Today’s ceremony acknowledges graduates hard work and dedication in gaining their qualifications, commitment to safety, and focus on customer service. “Our apprentices and tradespeople here today are a part of their local area, boosting local skills and knowledge, and reinforcing our ongoing commitment to local employment opportunities in towns and communities across regional NSW,” Matt said.

Country Energy has created more than 740 apprenticeships since forming in 2001, and has an enviable success rate with 95 per cent of its apprentices completing their trade certificates.

An ageing workforce, and general industry skills shortages, coupled with the volume of network development and maintenance ahead, means the company is more dedicated than ever to the success of its apprentices.

“As a registered training organi-sation we’re able to train our people locally, and offer opportunities for apprentices to stay in their home towns if they want to. “The graduation ceremony is a chance for us to acknowledge the fantastic efforts put in by our apprentices and training teams to equip our tradespeople to deliver the value, and level of service, our customers expect and deserve,” Matt said.

Peter Anderson from Bingara was one of the 15 who graduated in Moree.