Transgrid Pumps Millions into Training Powerline Construction Workers

Transgrid has cited the transition to renewables as one reason for launching a multi-million-dollar training initiative.

In a program called Legacy 100, 100 candidates will complete qualifications in Transmission Line Construction.

The workers will support the $1.8 billion EnergyConnect project being built from Wagga Wagga to the South Australian border.

EnergyConnect will be an important support for Victoria’s VNI-West, which passed an approval milestone last week. VNI-West will be a 500kV system partly planned to service wind and solar projects in Victoria.

Transgrid Executive General Manager of Major Projects Gordon Taylor said in a media release:

“The first of 1,500 towers are currently being installed on EnergyConnect in southwestern NSW, with stringing of 9,000km of conductor cabling to get underway shortly, requiring hundreds of workers.”

He added that there will be “no transition without transmission”, and that the Legacy 100 trainees will “form the backbone” of a tower construction workforce.

“The comprehensive program will help the Australian energy sector to grow its own riggers and doggers, boosting jobs and skills in regional NSW, and reducing reliance on overseas trained workers.”

Construction company SecureEnergy is partnering with Transgrid on the training project.

Its project director, Samuel Basanta Lopez, said candidates across the Riverina and other regional NSW locations will be sought to join the program.

Basanta Lopez said:

“Legacy 100 will be undertaken initially in Wagga Wagga by Ironbark Training which will target local and Indigenous candidates across the Riverina and Thomson Bridge which is the only Registered Training Organisation that has this qualification on scope.”

He said you’d have to enjoy working at heights and not mind living in a worker accommodation camp for 21 days at a time.

The only required qualification to take part is a current white card. Trainees will complete their 18 months of studies and on-the-job training with a Certificate II in Transmission Line Construction.

TransGrid and SecureEnergy are building the 700km NSW section of EnergyConnect, from Wagga Wagga to the South Australian border, with a connection to the Victorian town of Red Cliffs.

“Come and try” sessions will be held at Wagga Wagga for prospective candidates to experience what it is like to work on an elevated platform, Transgrid said.