Applications are now open to work on the world’s largest tram network, keeping it running safely and reliably for millions of passengers every week.

Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll said the four-year Yarra Trams apprenticeship program prepares apprentices to safely maintain and manage the network of overhead wires that power the tram network.

In the first two years of training, overhead apprentices mix working on de-energised infrastructure alongside experienced lines workers before apprentices take a significant step to working on live overhead wires alongside trainers and experienced lines workers.

Numerous safety controls are in place to ensure workers’ safety – including using specialised live line techniques, working from insulated platforms and wearing insulating equipment.

Overhead workers are crucial to the safe operation of the tram network, with technicians performing important maintenance and renewal work to reduce the number of unplanned disruptions, as well as responding to incidents involving overhead lines.

The tram network runs on more than 500 kilometres of overhead contact wire hung above the tram network, powering up to 500 trams at a time.

All of the power used by Melbourne’s trams is offset by solar power generated at two large solar installations in the north of Victoria, making trams one of the most environmentally friendly ways of getting around the city.

Applications for the overhead apprenticeship roles are now open with applicants encouraged to visit the Yarra Trams careers webpage.