Introducing API Power Up Industry Connect

Where students and industry connect, learn and shape the future of the power sector

The Australian Power Institute is proud to launch API Power Up Industry Connect, a new national event series designed to strengthen connections between Power Up Scholars and the organisations shaping Australia’s power sector. This series brings together three powerful elements in one immersive experience: Summer Placement Interviews, an Industry Panel, and dedicated Networking. 

Delivered through six state-based in-person events, API Power Up Industry Connect responds directly to feedback from students and industry alike – creating more opportunities to meet face-to-face, build relationships, and deepen understanding of the diverse roles across the power sector.  

What is API Power Up Industry Connect? 

At its core, API Power Up Industry Connect is about connection, clarity and confidence. 

For students, it provides a supportive and inclusive environment to interview for summer placements, learn directly from industry leaders, and meet peers from across their state. For API members, it offers a meaningful way to engage with the next generation of engineers, showcase their organisation’s role in the sector, and contribute to workforce development. 

Each event is structured in two parts: 

Part A: Summer Placement Interviews Students participate in in-person, speed-dating style interviews with API member organisations. This format is designed to be welcoming and less intimidating, while still giving students valuable real-world interview experience. Following interviews, API facilitates allocation discussions with members, allowing placements to be confirmed efficiently and transparently.  

Part B: Industry Panel and Networking Once interviews conclude, the day opens up to the broader Power Up Scholar cohort and industry representatives. A facilitated panel brings together organisations from across the power ecosystem – including transmission, distribution, market operation, consulting and manufacturing – to share who they are, what they do, and the exciting projects shaping Australia’s energy future. Students then engage directly with professionals during an informal networking session, referred to as the “Power Half Hour”.  

What can participants expect? 

Students can expect to: 

• Gain insight into the full breadth of the power sector and career pathways available 

• Build confidence through in-person interviews and professional conversations 

• Connect with peers, mentors and future employers in their state 

  
  

Member professionals can expect to: 

• Meet and interview high-quality Power Up Scholars in person 

• Share their organisation’s story and role in the sector 

• Build early relationships with future graduates and emerging talent 

  
  

API Power Up Industry Connect is more than an event series – it’s a platform for meaningful engagement, shared learning and long-term impact. By bringing students and industry together in one space, the API continues to strengthen the pipeline of future power professionals and support a connected, informed and resilient workforce.