Empowering your Future: Exploring POWER Careers During National Careers Week
- Stephanie Somerville
- May 5
- 3 min read
📅 12–18 May 2025 | #ncwau25
This week, Australia’s biggest celebration of career development begins and we want to share some amazing information and resources to support your pathway into the power sector!
✅ First of all, take our Power Careers Quiz to see which role is right for you here:
Alongside our Education partner Study Work Grow, we have highlighted five key power pathways you can take to make a difference in Australian communities and challenge yourself to solve real world problems.
🔍 Systems Planning Engineer
Purpose: Future-Proofing Australia's Power Infrastructure
Systems Planning Engineers are the strategic minds shaping how Australia will meet its future electricity needs. Their work is focused on analysing data, simulating demand, and evaluating options to ensure our power networks can keep up with evolving demands — whether that’s population growth, decarbonisation targets, or changing technologies. These engineers consider technical, economic, and environmental factors to make long-term plans for power system upgrades and expansions. They also lead collaborative decision-making, helping government bodies, utilities, and other engineers understand the best path forward for the grid. It’s a role that requires both deep technical knowledge and a broad view of societal needs. Ideal for those who enjoy thinking ahead and want to make a lasting impact.
⚡ Power Systems Engineer
Purpose: Keeping the Lights on and the Grid Strong
Power Systems Engineers are vital to the everyday functioning of electricity systems. Their focus is on designing, installing, maintaining, and optimising the physical systems that generate, transmit, and distribute electricity. Whether it's upgrading outdated infrastructure or diagnosing a fault in real time, these engineers are problem-solvers who combine technical knowledge with hands-on skills. They’re also key players in transitioning to smarter, more sustainable networks by integrating new technologies and optimising performance. This is a dynamic, fast-paced role for someone who wants variety in their workday and thrives on making systems work better and more reliably.
🛠️ Maintenance Technician
Purpose: The Hands-On Experts Powering System Reliability
Maintenance Technicians are the boots on the ground of the power sector. They work directly on infrastructure like transformers, circuit breakers, and power lines to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Through regular inspections, emergency repairs, and preventive maintenance, they keep systems safe and efficient — often heading off problems before they escalate. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys working with tools, solving real-world problems, and being part of a team that directly impacts public safety and service reliability. It's a practical, high-responsibility job with a big role in Australia's energy reliability.
🌐 Network Delivery Engineer
Purpose: Building the Backbone of Our Electricity Grid
Network Delivery Engineers play a critical role in designing and delivering the infrastructure that connects power from generators to homes and businesses. From substations to power lines and distribution hubs, these engineers ensure that new developments are safely and efficiently connected to the grid. They’re also heavily involved in upgrading and adapting infrastructure to support growth and renewable integration. With a blend of fieldwork and desk-based design, this role suits people who want to make big-picture systems a reality — solving technical challenges with lasting impact.
🔌 Grid Connection Engineer
Purpose: Connecting Renewables to a Cleaner Grid
Grid Connection Engineers are at the forefront of the energy transition. Their job is to connect new sources of renewable energy — like solar farms and wind projects — to the national grid. They use complex modelling tools to predict how these connections will affect grid stability, while also managing compliance with technical standards and working closely with developers and utilities. This role combines cutting-edge tech, big-picture sustainability goals, and real-world engineering challenges. It’s ideal for someone passionate about clean energy, innovation, and the future of Australia’s electricity system.
📢 Need further inspiration?
Download our free resources, including posters, and information sheets, to help you spread the word that a career in power is important and valuable to our nation’s future.
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