Zinfra Energy apprenticeships help Roma locals progress their careers without leaving the region

A Roma local has been able to stay in the town he’s always loved while being able to pursue the career he’s always dreamt of. Find out how this was made possible.

Choosing between staying in your hometown and pursuing a dream career is a choice many people have to make.

However, a Roma local, Ned Evans, has demonstrated that it’s not always one or the other.

Mr Evans has been able to secure an apprenticeship position, which is helping him build the career he’s always wanted, while staying in the town he’s alway loved.

In February, Mr Evans started with Zinfra Energy as a pipeline technician apprentice. He said that means he is learning what it takes to maintain the gas pipelines which power our cities.

Ned Evans has commenced an apprenticeship with Zinfra energy, which will allow him to stay in his hometown, while pursuing a career he is passionate about. Photo: Jacklyn O'Brien

“I’ve always had an interest in oil and gas and always knew that’s what I wanted to do,” Mr Evans said.

“Really the hardest part is getting a foot in the door.”

He said that while he knows there are likely more career opportunities, and pathways to get into the industry in bigger cities, he said he can’t bring himself to move away from Roma.

“I really appreciate Roma as a smaller community,” Mr Evans said.

“I’m involved in a lot of volunteer work … I’ve done that for a lot of my life.

“It’s just something I really wanna hang on to.”

Equally, he said he believes it’s incredibly important for young people to stay in their regional home towns.

“I think there’s something about our smaller community here … that’s slowly fading away,” Mr Evans said.

“A lot of younger kids want to get out – they get sick of it. But Roma as a town, it’s great.”

In this position, Mr Evans said he feels like he has the best of both worlds.

Zinfra’s general manager of gas services, Craig Farrugia, said this sentiment is exactly what is behind Zinfra’s apprenticeship program.

“It’s great to see local people, filling local jobs, and ultimately contributing to energy projects which benefit the local community,” Mr Farrugia said.

“At Zinfra our apprentices really are set-up for long term success, and it has been great to see previous apprentices continue to have meaningful and rewarding careers once they complete the program.”

Originally published as Zinfra Energy apprenticeships help Roma locals progress their careers without leaving the region