A job with real power for apprentices

New Zealand-owned Mighty River Power is launching an apprenticeship programme for up to 20 apprenticeships annually to ensure the electricity industry has a strong base of qualified and skilled professionals in the coming years.

The apprenticeship programme will provide those interested in electrical and mechanical trades with an exciting career opportunity focusing on Mighty River Power's area of business - its generation assets, retail business, Mercury Energy, and its metering business, Metrix.

"We've developed this apprenticeship programme to ensure that we and ultimately the energy industry maintain a strong base of qualified and skilled trades people in the coming years to support our business and continue to benefit the communities in which we operate," says Mighty River Power general manager external affairs Neil Williams.

If selected for the programme, placement will be with host companies (Mighty River Power contractors and suppliers) while all training fees and salaries will be met by Mighty River Power.

At the end of the three year programme graduating apprentices will achieve a nationally recognised Level 4 Certificate.

Career opportunities could lead to jobs such as a production technician, metering test house supervisor, electrical inspector, field officer and electrical inspector.