Plug into an apprenticeship

After Year 12, Kacee White had a good look around (and we mean ‘good’ because she actually went to Africa), and decided on a great career. Smart Start asked some probing questions to apprentice sparky Kacee.

Why an apprenticeship and not uni?

During my Year 12 studies, with the other students deciding on uni courses, I just knew it wasn’t really the direction for me. The idea of an apprenticeship crossed my mind but I had not looked into it at that stage. I decided to go on a gap year and travel to Kenya for three months doing volunteer work. A few months after I returned, I was still contemplating my future and that’s when a family friend mentioned the Energy Australia Apprenticeships. I’ve always been one for hands-on, so I thought “why not?” and gave it a go.

What’s the best thing about the apprenticeship?

It would have to be the opportunities presented to you, the skills you gain and the people you meet. Working with Energy Australia, I’ve been to places and seen things that normal apprentices wouldn’t. It presents you with a variety of experiences throughout your apprenticeship. You get to see how the whole company works – not just your section. I’ve been in substations, toured a power-station and experienced line workers’ and cable jointers’ jobs, which I never thought I’d see.

What’s the hardest thing about the apprenticeship?

I thought it would have been being a girl in a guy’s job, but that’s actually not bad at all. The hardest thing for me would be facing my fear of heights and having to climb ladders for rescue procedures, to install lights and abseil out of an EWP! I’ve never been good with heights, which is the exact reason I went for an electrical fitter mechanic and not a line worker. The first few attempts of climbing ladders to the height of the cross arms or on top of transformers has been challenging, but finding the strength to overcome my fear was excellent. All the same, I still prefer my feet on the ground.

What are your career goals both mediumterm and long-term?

My goal is to get through the next three years – the remaining time of my apprenticeship. And I want to take every opportunity, and enjoy the work. After, I’m not sure where I want to go or what I want to do. I will decide this once I’ve seen and experienced each section over the apprenticeship. I guess I will have to wait and see what opportunities are presented.

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