For Leanne Purcell, a second-year apprentice lineworker and mum based at Ausgrid’s Mount Kuring-gai depot, no two days on the job look the same. Each morning begins with a team briefing and thorough safety checks before heading into the field to work across the electricity network.
When Leanne first considered entering a trade, she expected potential hurdles entering a traditionally male-dominated industry. Instead, she found a supportive team culture and experienced mentors who helped her build technical skills while keeping a healthy balance between her career and family life
Key Takeaways
- Local Experience: Mount Kuring-gai apprentice lineworker and mother Leanne Purcell highlights the strong workplace culture, mentoring, and work-life balance at the local depot.
- Women in Trades: Female participation in the Bright Spark program currently stands at 24%, supported by ongoing initiatives to build a diverse energy workforce.
- Energy Transition: Apprentices gain practical exposure to modern grid projects, including EV charger deployment and Renewable Energy Zone infrastructure.
Ausgrid is having good mentors that support that great work-life balance,” Leanne says. “Every day is different, and I love being outdoors. I genuinely love what I do, but I really love working with all the different people.”
It is also a career path that hits close to home. “I think it’s great to be doing a job that my kids think is really cool,” she shares, “and if they still think it’s cool when they grow up, they can work here too!”
Leanne isn’t the only one finding inspiration in the energy transition. Graduate Protection Technician Lillian Starrett highlights the endless possibilities the program offers. “You can just choose so many different careers here, there’s no one way of doing things,” Lillian explains. “A moment that I’m proud of throughout my apprenticeship was being part of the upcoming Hunter Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone. It’s something that’s very new to our company and being an apprentice and being involved in that was very exciting. It gave me a real sense of purpose at work.”
While applications for Ausgrid’s next Bright Spark Apprentice Program won’t open until June 2027, students, career changers and job seekers can start researching the opportunities available and exploring the diverse career pathways on offer. As Leanne says, if you’re looking for a career that’s anything but ordinary, this is it.
Whether building and maintaining network infrastructure, installing electric vehicle chargers, or working on renewable energy zones, apprentices gain hands-on experience across three trade streams: Lineworker, Cable Jointer, and Technician. As Leanne puts it, if you want a career that is anything but ordinary, this is it.
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Applications for the next intake of apprentices will open in June 2027
