At age 35, Novocastrian Maya Boeren has had her fair share of career highlights.
She’s worked as a pilot, a vet nurse and a miner.
But, it’s her latest job as an electrotechnology apprentice with Transgrid that is proving to be her best move yet.
“I was looking for a career change, something different that was practical and hands on,” Ms Boeren said.
“There’s a lot to learn but it has been great so far and I’m excited for what the future holds.”
She’s one of 19 apprentices in Transgrid’s 2023 intake and began her role as a communications technician in Newcastle at the start of the year.
Signed up by not-for-profit apprenticeship, training and employment provider VERTO, Ms Boeren is also receiving the Australian Government’s New Energy Apprentice Support Payment (NEASP).
It’s designed to encourage apprentices to choose clean energy careers and improve retention rates.
Ms Boeren said the NEASP was a worthwhile incentive for those, like her, who have an interest in working on Australia’s most important energy projects.
“I think it’s an exciting time to be working in that industry and seeing how the system adapts to the renewables coming into the market,” she added.
“Five years ago, I didn’t imagine I’d be working in a comms lab reviewing faults from a Transgrid substation and finding solutions to those faults.
“But, here I am and I’m really enjoying it.
“As far as opportunities go, the sky’s the limit.”
Transgrid’s education program coordinator Glen Davis knows first-hand that apprenticeship programs can open many doors.
“The pace of change in the energy industry is only accelerating and there are lots of opportunities for apprentices like Maya to build successful careers,” he explained.
“Currently 36% of our apprentices are female and we’d like to see this number continue to grow.
“Women play an important role at Transgrid and are well-respected for the valuable perspectives they bring to the job.”
VERTO CEO Ron Maxwell said the company prided itself on working with organisations to help not only sign up but offer ongoing mentorship and assistance to female apprentices.
“While over the past five years only 11% of trade apprenticeships completed in Australia were women,” he stated.
“This number is steadily on the rise and there are real opportunities for females to build successful careers in many trade industries including electrical, clean energy and STEM.
“Future apprentices will be working with next generation technology and automation, and this requires people like Maya who are creative thinkers and problem solvers.”
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