What’s happening?
Queensland’s future energy workforce is stepping up at Stanwell Power Station, with six new apprentices and trainees starting their careers during National Apprenticeship Week 2026.
The intake marks another year of investment in the company’s Apprenticeship and Trainee Program, which combines hands-on industry experience with formal study through TAFE Queensland.
The program blends practical on-the-job learning with structured training aligned to industry standards.
Applications for the 2027 intake will open later this year.
Why it matters
Energy generation relies on skilled workers who understand both operations and community needs.
Stanwell General Manager Central Generation Angie Zahra said building a strong pipeline of local talent is essential.
“Our apprentices and trainees develop the technical capability and confidence they need to kick-start long and meaningful careers in the energy industry,” Ms Zahra said.
“The experience they gain at Stanwell, working alongside our people and learning in real operational environments sets them up to support Queensland’s energy system into the future.
“Investing in local talent is important to us, because these opportunities allow people to build rewarding careers in Central Queensland, contribute to local growth, and ensure our operations continue to be powered by people who understand and care about the place they call home.”
Local Impact
The program supports employment pathways for young people across Central Queensland.
It also strengthens the workforce at Stanwell Power Station, which plays a major role in supplying electricity to the National Electricity Market and large energy users along the eastern seaboard.
With more than 40 years of continuous operations, Stanwell operates the Tarong power stations near Kingaroy and Stanwell Power Station near Rockhampton.
Its experience in building and maintaining coal-fired generation is now being applied to renewable generation, storage and firming projects.
By the numbers
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6 new starters in 2026 – Four apprentices and two trainees began at Stanwell Power Station during National Apprenticeship Week 2026.
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74 apprentices and trainees in five years – Since 2021, Stanwell’s program has supported 74 participants, strengthening regional workforce capability.
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40+ years of operations – Stanwell has maintained continuous power generation for over four decades across its major sites.
Zoom in
Riley Richardson, a trainee from the 2025 intake, said the culture at Stanwell helped her grow quickly.
“From day one, I’ve felt both challenged and supported. I’ve gained confidence, built new skills and learned about the important role Stanwell plays in Queensland’s energy future,” Ms Richardson said.
“I’ve developed strong relationships across site and been exposed to different parts of the business in a short timeframe, which has allowed me to take on meaningful work.”
Her experience reflects the program’s focus on real responsibilities, not just observation.
Zoom out
As Queensland’s leading provider of electricity and energy solutions, Stanwell supplies power into the National Electricity Market while also serving large energy users along the eastern seaboard.
The company is expanding beyond traditional generation into renewable energy, storage and firming projects to meet future demand.
Workforce development remains central to that shift.
What to look for next?
Applications for Stanwell’s 2027 Apprenticeship and Trainee intake will open later this year.
For young Queenslanders considering a career in energy, the next round could offer a direct pathway into one of the state’s most established energy providers.
