Dan nabbed a few new apprentices to put down their tools, take off their safety goggles and have a quick chat with us about their experiences so far.

To describe apprentices Emily Hensens and Fletcher Radcliffe-Bones as enthusiastic doesn’t go anywhere near capturing their energy, passion and genuine excitement.

After 3 weeks of inductions, a cohort of 10 new apprentices were getting their hands dirty at the workshop and deepening their understanding of what makes the program special. 

It’s clear that being a Hydro Tasmania apprentice is about much more than learning a trade. It’s about building a long-term career with purpose.

Different paths, same destination

The apprentices came to the program along different paths.

Emily already had one trade and a few different jobs under her belt, but hadn’t found quite the right fit. 

“I didn’t want to settle for a job I wasn’t happy in. I wanted something I could be passionate about, where I could always keep learning, and where I could have more career progression. When I saw this opportunity, I thought I’d just give it a shot.”

After working in retail and roofing, Fletcher knew he wanted to become an electrician and, ideally, work somewhere a little out of the ordinary.

“At Hydro Tasmania you can work in amazing, remote, beautiful places,” he said, “which you’re not going to get as a residential or commercial sparky.”

More than just a job

When we asked the apprentices why they chose Hydro Tasmania, some themes really stood out: variety, purpose, career opportunities and support.

Emily could see that at Hydro Tasmania’s she can build a real career, not just get a qualification and move on.

“It feels like somewhere you can stay long term and keep learning. There are endless opportunities – different sites, different roles, even dual trades. The renewable energy aspect is appealing too. It’s nice to work for a business that cares about the world as well.”

Fletcher was also attracted to working for a more sustainable future.

“Here I get to work on some pretty cool stuff that you wouldn’t normally – and there's a bigger picture to the work that makes you want to come to work and keep doing better.”

That sense of purpose is closely tied to Hydro Tasmania’s history. From century-old power stations to massive modern upgrades, apprentices get to work on machines and systems that have powered Tasmania for generations.

“There’s a lot of pride in working for this business,” Fletcher said. “You’re part of something with such history and meaning that the pioneers worked so hard to create.”

What the apprenticeship program looks like

Hydro Tasmania’s apprenticeships run for 4 years, combining paid on-the-job learning with blocks of formal training at TAFE.

Apprentices rotate through different sites and teams across the state, building experience in day-to-day operations, routine maintenance and major works. Rotations can range from a few months to a year, depending on the work and an apprentice’s individual training plan.

“Our goal is to make sure apprentices are well-rounded and develop the full range of skills they’ll need as qualified tradespeople,” said Dan.

When we met them, Fletcher and Emily were building up their ‘hand skills’ before heading out to their designated power station where they’d be embedded into the team under the wing of an experienced tradesperson.

A supportive culture – on and off the tools

One thing that surprised the apprentices was the level of support. Whether it was flexibility for medical appointments, help when something went wrong, or access to wellbeing support, the apprentices said they felt treated like whole people, not machines (although Hydro Tasmania does treat its machines very well!)

“They understand that life outside work can affect how you are at work,” Emily said. “That’s not something I’ve experienced everywhere.”

Dan said that providing support and building relationships and confidence is a very important part of the program.

“Our teams work closely together, often in very remote locations. They become like family.”

A thorough, but fair, recruitment process

Applying for a Hydro Tasmania apprenticeship does take some effort and time, but the apprentices said the process was clear, transparent and absolutely worth it.

The process includes an online assessment, making a short video, having a casual interview and going out on site – a step that they said made all the difference.

“Seeing the site, meeting the people … that’s huge,” Emily said. “You actually get to understand what the job is like, because otherwise it’s hard to know what to expect.”

“Site visits are powerful for both sides,” Dan said. “Applicants get a real feel for power station life, where they’ll spend 95% of their time, and our teams get to meet the people who might be joining them.”

The video stage can feel daunting, but the apprentices stressed that it doesn’t need to be perfect.

“Just be natural and be yourself,” said Fletcher. “Mistakes are totally fine.”

Emily and Fletcher said they always felt supported and really well informed throughout the process. 

“You were always given all the details, and there was always a phone number, so you were never alone or in the dark,” said Fletcher. 

Building the next generation

Dan joined Hydro Tasmania as an apprentice himself more than 20 years ago. He’s worked as an electrician, operator and planner, and now supports the apprenticeship program statewide.

“I know how important good mentoring is. My supervisor always encouraged me to have a go, even when I didn’t think I was ready.”

That philosophy shapes how the program is run today.

“We’re not just training people to get through an apprenticeship. We’re building confident, capable tradespeople – whether they stay with Hydro or use those skills elsewhere.”

The approach to the work really stood out for Fletcher.

“In some places I’ve worked, it’s just about getting it done, even if it’s a bit scrappy. Whereas here, speed isn’t as important as doing things properly, being safe and getting a result you’re happy with.”

When we met Emily and Fletcher, they were excited about learning everything they can, from the littlest to the biggest machines and components.

Fletcher was particularly looking forward to getting his hands on a massive switchboard.

“They’re pretty daunting to look at, but I want to try and understand them and know my way around them. That would be pretty cool.”

Dan loves supporting the start of these big adventures. 

“It's exciting to watch. After being in this business for more than 20 years, it’s refreshing to see their keenness and their passion to be working here, and how excited they are about heading out into the field.”

When we met the apprentices, it was still very early in their journey, but they were all hoping for a long future at Hydro Tasmania. We can’t wait to catch up with them again to hear more!

Applications for Hydro Tasmania’s apprenticeship program open mid-2026. If you’d like to find out more, read the FAQs on our apprentices webpage. 

You can also read about some of our other current and former apprentices here: Meet Katrina, Chilli and Jeremy.