A GROUP of 24 north coast Essential Energy apprentices such as Murwillumbah's Damien Freeman are now helping deliver safe and reliable energy across regional NSW.

Murwillumbah's Essential teams have welcomed Mr Freeman as part of a 112-strong 2012 intake, following his completion of an intensive three-week induction course.

North coast regional general manager Brian Mclean said recruits like Mr Freeman would help boost local employment.

This reinforced the company's ongoing commitment to investing in local communities' futures, Mr McLean said.

"Apprentices are the future of the energy industry.

"By employing locally-based apprentices, Essential Energy knows the new employees will understand the places they'll work in, the communities they'll provide service to and appreciate the significance of a dependable local energy supply.

"Training to become powerline workers, these new team members will take up roles across 71 depots, becoming skilled tradespeople who maintain the safety and customer service culture we pride ourselves on."

Mr Freeman is a mature age apprentice and will work with experienced crews while receiving both theory and practical on-the-job training.

"I applied for the apprenticeship to venture into a different career path, plus Essential Energy has more opportunities for me to pursue," he said.

"While working with a line crew I believe I can give more back to the community."

Essential has created more than 1,140 apprentice positions since 2001.

This has made the energy provider one of the biggest regional employers of apprentices in the state.