Frequently Asked Questions - Apprenticeships

Q1. Who can apply for the Ausgrid Apprenticeship Program?

Whether you’re a school leaver or a mature age applicant looking for a career change, if you’ve got the passion and commitment we want to hear from you. You’ll need to have completed your high school studies (years 10, 11 or 12) and have sound maths and communication skills.

Q2. Do you support TAFE and other studies?

Ausgrid pay all the costs when we invest in your training, including the TAFE fees required to complete your apprenticeship. Not only that, but further study options are always available to help you develop your career.

Q3. Where would I be based?

For your initial training, you’ll be based at one of our specialised training centres in Sydney, Newcastle or Muswellbrook. After that, you’ll rotate through different departments of Ausgrid. This will give you a wide range of useful experiences and accelerate your development.

Q4. Am I guaranteed a job at the end of the Apprenticeship Program?

Your apprenticeship lasts for four years. However, because we’ll train you to be part of one of our technical teams and offer many career opportunities, it’s very likely that you’ll want to and be able to continue working with us when you’ve graduated.

Q5. What is Ausgrid's contribution to superannuation?

We contribute 15% super, which is made up from the compulsory 9% employee financed superannuation plus an additional 6% that we pay over and above requirements.

Q6. How much holiday do I receive?

As well as entitlement to four weeks’ annual leave a year, you’ll be working a nine-day fortnight, so you’ll also get one day off every two weeks.

Q7. What are the career opportunities like?

As a large organisation, we can offer you plenty of scope for career progression. Find out more about Apprenticeship Career Pathways.

Q8. What is the selection process for the program?

First you'll be asked to sit for a pre-selection test. The pre-selection test measures comprehension and mathematical knowledge and skills. If necessary, you should brush up on your maths skills, as calculators aren’t allowed! Why not try out our sample maths test? You can also prepare by organising to bring a photo of yourself that we'll attach to your test.

If you do well in the pre-selection test, you'll be invited for an interview where we'll ask you questions relating to the skills required for the position.

Q9. When and where are the pre-selection tests held?

The preselection tests are held at the end of July and in early August. Registrations to attend the tests open late June and close late July each year.

The testing session takes about 2 hours, and starts promptly. You should bring photo ID and we'll also need a passport sized photo of yourself. You should also bring a biro pen (and spare pen). Calculators are not allowed and mobile phones must be switched off.

The tests are held at the following locations, but you must have made a booking to attend:  

  • Sydney: Ausgrid Learning Centre, 48-50 Holker Street, Silverwater
  • Cardiff: The Auditorium, Cardiff High School, Boronia Street, Cardiff
  • Jesmond: Ausgrid Training Centre, Mordue Parade, Jesmond
  • Muswellbrook: The Multi-Purpose Centre, Muswellbrook High School, King Street, Muswellbrook 


Q10. What skills are tested at the interview?

If you do well in the pre-selection test, we’ll invite you back for an interview. As well as being a chance for you to find out more, we’ll get to know you better, discuss your skills and ambitions and assess a number of things, including: 

  • Your communication skills
  • Your ability to contribute to and be part of a team
  • Your ability to work without close supervision
  • School or work performance
  • Knowledge of hand tools and mechanical aptitude
  • Knowledge of safe working practices
  • Your level of interest in a chosen trade 

You'll need to bring photo ID, and also evidence of a project that you have been involved in (eg. photo).