CleanCo welcomes apprentices as government increases focus on energy sector in Cairns

An energy company has welcomed two new apprentices at their Barron Gorge hydro-electric power plant, as the Far North’s focus on the clean energy sector grows.

TWO teens have started the apprenticeship of a lifetime at the Barron Gorge Power Station.

Aelira Catalina, an ex-student at Bentley Park College, said she did not even know there was a power station in the region when she started her hunt for an apprenticeship in electricals.

“I saw an electrical apprenticeship advertised and I applied for it. I wasn’t expecting to hear back but here we are,” she said.

“Being an electrician has been my dream for a very long time. I love being on tools and doing practical work. I have heard a lot of people saying that electrical is really hard but I am decent at math and science so that really keeps me going.”

Ms Catalina said she looked forward to a future career in electrical engineering, possibly studying further at university, but wanted to get practical, on-the-job experience first.

Liam Prestipino and Aelira Catalina, both 17, have begun apprenticeships at CleanCo's hydro electricity power plant on the Barron River, with Aelira undertaking an electrical apprenticeship and Liam learning mechanical engineering. Picture: Brendan Radke

For Liam Prestipino, a 2022 graduate of St Augustine’s, his mechanical fitter turner apprenticeship was a dream come true.

“I have always wanted to do fitting and when this one came up, I thought it was really interesting – renewable energy and stuff,” he said.

“Our job is more the maintenance of the plant.”

Mr Prestipino and Ms Catalina said they loved their daily drive into work and were grateful to have mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and tradesmen to learn from at the power plant.

Love of the work was a big factor in ensuring he finished his apprenticeship, Mr Prestipino said.

“A lot of people might try a trade or apprenticeship and might not enjoy it. I love that what I do is hands on. It is a great industry, renewable energy. The way of the future.”

Ms Catalina said she did not know any girls in trades but had received nothing but support here.

“It’s not something people even notice, I’m just another electrical apprentice,” she said.

Liam Prestipino and Aelira Catalina, both 17, have begun apprenticeships at CleanCo's hydro electricity power plant on the Barron River, with Aelira undertaking an electrical apprenticeship and Liam learning mechanical engineering. Picture: Brendan Radke

Barron Gorge Power Station site manager James Archer said the new apprentices were a welcome addition to the site.

“We are so proud of Barron Gorge Hydro and the important role it plays in Queensland’s energy network and we are delighted to be supporting these young people to develop their skills here,” Mr Archer said.

Barron River MP Craig Crawford said it was fantastic to see the next generation of young tradies take an interest in the renewables industry.

“Jobs in the energy sector are evolving and I am proud that our publicly-owned north Queensland power stations are providing fantastic opportunities for local apprentices to learn the tools of the trade.”

The power station is owned by CleanCo, a government-owned electricity generation and trading company using a mix of renewable energy and innovative energy solutions.

A spokesman from the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training said

the Queensland Government was focused on creating jobs and skilling Queenslanders in emerging industries, with Cairns and the Far North likely to be a critical part of the clean hydrogen and future energy industry workforces.

Originally published as CleanCo welcomes apprentices as government increases focus on energy sector in Cairns