Apprentices and Trainees Begin Bright Careers in Energy Industry

Apprentices and trainees from the Western Downs region have taken their first steps towards bright careers within the energy industry.

Origin Energy recently welcomed its 2024 intake of MIGAS apprentices and trainees who will work in a variety of roles across the Australia Pacific LNG network.

As upstream operator for Australia Pacific LNG, Origin is responsible for developing its coal seam gas fields in the Surat and Bowen basins and the main transmission pipeline that transports gas to the LNG facility on Curtis Island near Gladstone.

Each year, Origin welcomes new trainees and apprentices to mentor and elevate the next generation of energy professionals, preparing them to tackle future industry challenges and opportunities.

In partnership with MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees, positions are provided for people in the Western Downs to ensure the region remains a part of the industry.

Five apprentices and trainees from the Western Downs recently joined Origin's Integrated Gas Team, with another five from the Maranoa Region.

Apprentices and trainees can pursue diverse roles including electrotechnology and instrumentation technicians as well as multi-skilled operators working at water treatment, gas processing facilities, and well sites. 

Among the latest intake was Chinchilla mother-of-two Tegan, who transitioned careers from working as a teaching aide at a primary school to join Origin as a trainee in Wellsite Operations.

“What prompted me to change career direction was the opportunity to become part of an industry that is well-established in the local region and offers long-term career prospects,” Tegan said.

“The Origin team has been incredibly supportive during our initial weeks. We've toured operational sites in Spring Gully and Condabri as part of our induction, and although there is a lot to take in, everyone is readily available to answer questions and provide guidance.

“My goal is to use this opportunity to obtain my traineeship qualification, aiming for a long-term career in this industry.”

Fellow Chinchilla recruit, Dre, began work at Origin as Water Treatment Operations trainee.

“I've worked in oil and gas before, specifically as a drilling rig leasehand for a drilling services company and enjoyed working in the industry,” Dre said.

"In my role as a water treatment operations trainee, one of my duties involves sampling water from various points and conducting analyses to uphold water quality standards and ensure regulatory compliance, as well as inspection and maintenance activities.

“I'm excited about this opportunity. My goal is to learn what I can to become multiskilled, so I can build a career at Origin and potentially explore other parts of the business, broadening my skills as I go.”

Origin General Manager, Asset East Steve Thatcher said, “Origin is dedicated to motivating and nurturing the next generation of energy professionals to contribute to securing Australia’s energy future.

“We aspire for our apprentices and trainees to come out of this program, ready to contribute their skills, knowledge, and passion to fuel progress and innovation in the energy industry.

“For those interested in Origin or the energy sector, traineeships and apprenticeships are certainly worth considering. These opportunities offer paid, hands-on experience and room for growth within our dynamic industry.”

Check out the MIGAS job board for the latest apprenticeship opportunities.