The four-year program covers TAFE course and tuition fees and gives apprentices a trade on completion. 

Apprentices get the opportunity to work on large maintenance and upgrade projects at hydropower stations across the state. Hydro Tasmania electrical apprentice Candice Fillisch joined Hydro Tasmania as a second-year apprentice in 2025 and hasn't looked back. 

Now in the final year of her apprenticeship, Candice is helping keep Tasmania powered while gaining hands-on experience across some of the state's most significant hydropower assets. 

Her pathway into the electrical trade was anything but conventional. After finishing college, Candice enrolled in an IT course at TAFE. 

A lesson on electrical principles sparked an unexpected interest and led her to study electrotechnology instead. Now she has worked across all 10 hydropower stations in the Upper and Lower Derwent schemes, as well as the iconic Gordon Power Station. 

"Gordon is huge," Candice says. "You go down an elevator almost 60 storeys – it's only then you realise the scale of the assets." "Every site has been different and every experience has taught me something new," Candice said. 

Candice said the supportive culture at Hydro Tasmania had been a key part of her apprenticeship experience. It's the people that have made her apprenticeship so enjoyable. Her favourite power station is wherever her team is. 

"People at Hydro Tasmania are supportive of new opportunities. If you speak up and show interest in a certain area, they will help you gain that experience," said Candice. 

"Everyone is so happy and open to helping. You can ask as many questions as you need and no one makes you feel bad for asking them." 

Candice will soon be contributing to the major works at Poatina Power Station. The opportunity to learn in diverse environments has helped build her confidence and technical expertise, and she wants to encourage other women to consider an apprenticeship with Hydro Tasmania. 

"As long as you're okay with getting a bit dirty, you should go for it," said Candice. 

Hydro Tasmania Executive General Manager People, Governance and Corporate Affairs Ruth Groom said apprenticeships played an important role in developing Tasmania's future workforce and creating meaningful career opportunities across the state. 

"Apprentices like Candice are helping shape the future of Tasmania's renewable energy industry," Ms Groom said. 

"We are proud to provide opportunities for people to learn, grow and build rewarding careers while working on infrastructure that powers communities across Tasmania." 

Ms Groom said Hydro Tasmania was committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone felt supported to succeed. 

"We know diverse teams make us stronger and we're focused on ensuring our workplace is welcoming, safe and supportive for everyone," said Ms Groom. 

Applications for Hydro Tasmania's next apprentice intake are now open and can be submitted via our website.

Ends

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