How Professionals Can Support Student Interns in the Power Sector

Welcoming student interns into your workplace is one of the most valuable ways our member organisations can grow the future power workforce. Whether they’re aspiring Systems Planning Engineers, Power Systems Engineers, Maintenance Technicians, Network Delivery Engineers, or Grid Connection Engineers, internships give students a rare chance to see what real jobs look like and understand how their future studies and career choices fit together.

These experiences often shape whether a young person stays engaged with the power sector long term, so the support they receive on site matters. 

Professionals across our member organisations play a crucial role in helping interns feel confident, capable, and included. Here are practical ways you can make a strong and lasting impact. 

1. Set clear expectations from day one 

Students often arrive enthusiastic but unsure of what the workplace expects. Setting upfront expectations helps remove unnecessary stress. You can outline simple things such as work hours, the communication style of your team, safety considerations, and who they can turn to for help. This is particularly important in roles that involve technical systems, safety rules, or field-based work, as seen in many power engineering careers including power systems and maintenance roles. 

A short welcome chat and clear points of contact can go a long way. Encourage them to ask questions early and often. 

2. Give interns real tasks that build confidence 

A meaningful internship includes hands-on tasks that help students connect what they study to what industry professionals ‘actually’ do. These tasks do not need to be large or complex. For someone shadowing a Systems Planning Engineer or Grid Connection Engineer, this might include reviewing relevant data sets, exploring modelling software, or preparing a short technical summary. For those in field or maintenance environments, it might involve observing safety checks, helping with routine inspections, or assisting with troubleshooting activities. 

The key is to give tasks that stretch their thinking while allowing room for learning. Small wins build confidence, and confidence builds momentum. 

3. Encourage curiosity and questions 

Students may feel hesitant to speak up, especially in workplaces filled with experienced professionals. Creating an environment where questions are welcomed helps them learn faster and feel more comfortable. You can invite questions by narrating what you are doing, explaining the purpose behind tasks, and sharing why you chose your own career path. 

Many interns are exploring whether they want to pursue roles like power systems engineering, network delivery, or maintenance. Hearing directly from professionals helps them understand what each job really involves and what might suit them best. 

4. Share your career story and the bigger picture 

Interns often have limited visibility of how the power system works as a whole. You can add huge value simply by explaining the bigger picture. Whether your work involves integrating renewables, maintaining critical equipment, planning new infrastructure, or ensuring network stability, sharing insights helps students appreciate the sector’s complexity and purpose. 

In the API Job Spotlight series, professionals consistently describe being attracted to the industry because of the purpose-driven work, complex challenges, and opportunity to make a positive impact on communities and the environment. Passing on this inspiration can strongly influence a student’s commitment to joining the sector. 

5. Encourage safe participation in site-based learning 

Many power sector roles involve time on site, and interns often find this experience exciting and eye-opening. If your intern joins you for field work, take extra care to explain safety protocols, demonstrate best practice, and ensure they feel comfortable. Maintenance Technicians and Network Delivery Engineers, for example, work hands-on with equipment or infrastructure, so showcasing safe habits leaves a strong impression. 

6. Offer feedback that helps them grow 

Students value feedback, especially when it’s clear, specific, and supportive. Taking a few minutes at the end of the day or week to reflect on what they’ve done well and what they can improve helps them develop both skills and confidence. Simple, constructive feedback can shape the way they approach work for years to come. 

7. Stay connected and champion their next steps 

After the placement ends, staying connected can support students as they continue their studies. You might offer to answer occasional questions, review a CV, or keep them in mind for future opportunities. Encouragement from someone in the industry helps students feel that there is a place for them in the sector. 

Supporting interns is not just about helping students. It strengthens your organisation’s workforce pipeline, builds connections with emerging talent, and inspires the next generation of engineers and technicians who will carry the sector forward. A bit of guidance, patience, and encouragement from you today can help shape a confident and capable power professional tomorrow.