The company will offer 39 apprentice and trainee positions across 32 locations, including Kempsey and parts of the North Coast and Central West.

Customer and network services general manager, Luke Jenner acknowledged the successful program.

"Essential Energy prides itself on recruiting exceptional people, who are motivated and passionate about working with us and who want to become an important and valued part of the team," Mr Jenner said.

"Our apprentice program was recognised as the best in Australia at the 2019 Australian Apprentices awards, reflecting the success of the program for both apprentices and the business."

The program boasts high rates of completion, with 93 per cent of employees completing their apprenticeship.

This is well above the national average of 63 per cent.

Once apprenticeships are complete, the majority of employees stay with the business with retention rates of 92 per cent.

"We are proud of the program, with about 1300 apprentices employed since 2003," Mr Jenner said.

"This ongoing investment in trainees and apprentices brings significant employment and development opportunities to our local communities across rural, regional and remote NSW and parts of southern Queensland.

"As the economic impacts of COVID-19 are felt across the state, we are delighted to be creating new job opportunities in regional communities and helping build capability right across the State."

The program combines formal training with on-the-job experience in what it takes to operate a modern electricity network that covers about 95 per cent of NSW.

Applications close Sunday, July 19.

Thank you for valuing local journalism with your subscription. While you're with us, you can also receive updates straight to your inbox from the Great Lakes Advocate.