The Northern Territory Government has applauded Power and Water’s innovative approach to training and growing local talent, with 11 Power and Water team members named as finalists in the 2026 GTNT Group Awards.
The awards recognise apprentices, trainees, supervisors and host organisations who go above and beyond when it comes to ongoing training and development.
The high number of Power and Water finalists this year highlights the ongoing strength of the organisation’s early career programs, which was revamped in 2023 to feature a new selection process for apprentices and an induction and mentoring program for graduates, said Power and Water CEO, Djuna Pollard.
“These nominations highlight the dedication of our apprentices, trainees and supervisors, and the important role our teams play in supporting their success,” Mrs Pollard said.
“They also show the time and effort we put into our early careers programs is paying off, with group and individual assessment sessions helping us find those who are the best fit for our apprenticeships.”
This success is also reflected in the fact Power and Water has been named a finalist in the Host Business of the Year – Large Employer category, she said. The organisation won the award in 2024 and was a finalist in 2025.
Power and Water continues to invest in early career pathways and growing local talent, with 47 apprentices, seven graduates, 10 business trainees and three water tech trainees located across Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek. The organisation has hosted early careers team members through GTNT for more than 30 years.
The Power and Water team members named as finalists are:
- Emily Mackney, Certificate III in Business (Finance and Business) – Institute of Skills and Training Australia Student of the Year
- Ruby Taylor, Certificate III in Business (Safety, People and Governance) – School-Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
- Amy Ferguson, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician – Outstanding Apprentice of the Year Stage 1
- Jesse Hansen, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician – Outstanding Apprentice of the Year Stage 1
- Kalvin Kempster, Certificate III in ESI – Power Systems Distribution Overhead – Outstanding Apprentice of the Year Stage 1
- Ruby Burling, Certificate III in Business (Safety, People and Governance) – Trainee of the Year
- Porschia Sequeira, Certificate III in Business (Finance and Business Services) – Trainee of the Year
- Marina Hernandez (Finance and Business Services) – Supervisor of the Year
- Damien Aarons, Certificate III in ESI – Power Systems Distribution Overhead (Darwin) – Apprentice of the Year
- Oliver King, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (Alice Springs) – Apprentice of the Year
- Jaideep Randhay, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (Alice Springs) – Apprentice of the Year
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Friday, 3 July 2026 at Mindil Beach Casino Resort.
