Horizon remote utilities worker qualification recognised

Pictured L-R RCUW Dampier Peninsula Clinton (Minty) Sahanna, RCUW Yungngora Keith Hunter and RCUW Yungngora Brendan Walters

Horizon Power’s qualification for remote utilities workers has been recognised by the Western Australian government.

Developed over seven years specifically for remote communities, the qualification is an opportunity for indigenous people to provide much needed power services for their communities.

The National Certificate III Remote Community Utilities Worker (RCUW) trade qualification was registered as a Class A Apprenticeship in September by the Minister for Training and Workforce Development, Liza Harvey.

Horizon Power currently has four RCUWs who are set to finish their apprenticeships next year.

Apprentice Clinton (Minty) Sahanna said it benefited indigenous people who live in their community to have a sense of pride and achievement.

“It’s great that the team and I are recognised for the time and effort we all put in with a national recognised qualification,” Minty said.

Horizon Power corporate services general manager David Tovey said he was proud of the business’ achievement to develop the qualification.

“Our RCUWs are the pioneers, working alongside and supporting many people while the training material was being developed and delivered,” he said.

Horizon built six new power stations in remote communities in the Kimberley as well as upgrading the electrical systems, under the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project which finished in 2011.

The RCUW qualification was designed to ensure communities did not have to wait hours before outside crews could fix faults or rely on contractors to maintain the communities’ assets.

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