Although no apprentices will be bound for Mount Isa, one is heading to Hughenden and another to Charters Towers.

Both are doing Distribution Linesperson apprenticeships and will spend the next four to six weeks completing their initial induction and training in Townsville before joining depots in those regions.

Acting Energy Minister Mark Furner said the skills learned would help ensure Queensland continued to enjoy a world-class, safe and reliable electricity supply.

“They will become part of the crews keeping the lights on, often working in challenging conditions to restore power after storms and cyclones.”

Mr Furner said 25 female apprentices would be inducted into what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry.

“The intake also includes 10 candidates identifying as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island descent.

“The new apprentices will train as communications technicians, distribution linespersons, transmission linespersons, mechanical fitters, electricians or underground cable jointers.

Energy Queensland Chief Executive David Smales said a significant change of approach in South East Queensland this year resulted in apprentices being based at 14 depots (including Raceview in Ms Howard’s electorate) , rather than at just six regional hubs and then being rotated around the smaller depots.

““This fits in well with our philosophy of offering most apprenticeships to local people so they can develop their skills while remaining in the community with their family and friends,” he said.

“As a result, we have recruited apprentices for our Gympie, Cooroy, Landsborough, Caboolture, Victoria Park, Cleveland, Beaudesert and Berrinba depots, in addition to the Maroochydore, Geebung, Kelvin Grove, Greenslopes, Raceview and Southport depots.”