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Electricity Supply Industry - Generation Sector

Overview

The Generation sector produces electricity for use in industry, business and private homes and is run by large, state-owned or privatised power stations.

According to the Energy Supply Association of Australia, in 2011 electricity generation was provided by the following mix of fuel sources: Black Coal 51%; Brown Coal 24%; Natural Gas 15%; Hydro 7%; Wind 3%; and Oil and others. In response to community demands for more sustainable and clean energy the mix of fuels for electricity generation is moving to renewable sources, which are opening the industry to opportunity and innovation.

What does this industry cover?

Electricity generation plants produce electricity and the plant operations are controlled through a form of computerised communication technology systems.

The main activities of the industry are the operation, maintenance, diagnosis and repair of electricity production plant and equipment in relation to:

  • Large coal or gas fired steam generation plant
  • Smaller gas fired steam turbine cogeneration plant
  • Diesel fired internal combustion engine driven generation plant
  • Hydro generation plant
  • Wind driven generation plant

Industry Information

The industry employs over 11,500 people across Fossil Fuel and Renewable energy generation. Although the demand for electricity is expected to increase over the next five years, public concern about the environment represents a significant challenge for the industry.

People working in the sector may be involved in operation of the plant from the control room, local operation of plant systems, management and coordination of unit or station operations, mechanical maintenance, electrical maintenance, and installation of new plant.

Employment and wage data for this industry

Commencements Change

The change in Australian Apprenticeships commencements in this industry in the past two years. Commencements year to June 2018: 0

Source: VOCSTATS, extracted on 18/12/2018. AATIS analysis.

Graduate Employment

Australian Apprentice graduates from this industry in employment (in any industry).

Source: NCVER National Student Outcomes Survey, 2017, unpublished. AATIS analysis.

Graduate Wage

Average wage of Australian Apprentice graduates from this industry employed full-time after training.

Source: NCVER National Student Outcomes Survey, 2017, unpublished. AATIS analysis.

Industry Growth

Growth in employment in this industry in the past 5 years.

Source: Department of Jobs and Small Business, 2017. AATIS analysis.

Industry Size

The number of employees in this industry compared with other Australian industries.

Source: Department of Jobs and Small Business, 2017. AATIS analysis.

Industry Wage

Average wage of all employees in this industry.

Source: Department of Jobs and Small Business, 2017. AATIS analysis.

Key Occupations

Unit Controller

Generation Technician

Electrical Fitter (Wind Generation)

This industry is positioned in the following groups

Industry

Electrical, Electronics & Utilities

Work Type

Practical & Manual

Ready to see where Electricity Supply Industry - Generation Sector can take you?

Career Pathways

Electricity Supply Industry - Generation Sector has career pathways from Certificate II through to Diploma. Look at the Job Pathway Chart to see what is of interest.

Job Pathway Charts

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Support Services

Apprenticeship Network Provider Finder

Apprenticeship Network providers can give information about starting an apprenticeship or traineeship, eligibility questions, and they also handle the paperwork and ongoing administration of apprentices and trainees.

Group Training Organisations Finder

Group Training Organisations employ apprentices and trainees and then host them out to employers. These organisations can provide great information about starting a career through Australian Apprenticeships.

Work Type Explorer

Search for Job and Training Descriptions by selecting from seven work type descriptions. For more details, take yourself through the Career Interest Explorer.

Further Research

Industry information

Industry information is published by peak level associations, government and major employers.  Accessing industry association sites, including member lists, is a good way of building up an understanding of an industry.  Visiting employer websites and looking for careers or employment menus helps identify how employers recruit and the skills they are recruiting.

Use Google to search for the associations and organisations listed below. 

Industry

  • Energy Networks Australia
  • Australian Energy Council
  • Australian Energy Market Operator
  • Australian Energy Market Commission

Government 

  • Clean Energy Regulator
  • REC registry
  • COAG Energy Council
  • Department of Industry, Innovation and Science

State regulators

  • Essential Services Commission of Victoria 
  • Essential Services Commission of South Australia
  • Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission of ACT
  • Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW
  • Economic Regulation Authority of WA
  • Queensland Competition Authority 
  • Office of the Tasmanian Economic Regulator 
  • Utilities Commission of the Northern Territory

Careers Sites