Power up your next steps: What’s coming up for the PowerUP community
Updated: Sep 18
There is plenty happening across The API’s PowerUP community over the coming months, with opportunities to build your industry knowledge, grow your network, prepare for a vacation placement and share your experiences with other students.
Whether you are already part of the PowerUP Scholarship Program or are simply curious about a career in the power sector, here is what you can get involved in next.
Welcome to our 59 new PowerUP Scholars
The API is proud to welcome 59 undergraduate students from across Australia into the 2026 PowerUP Scholarship Program. Representing six states, our newest scholars are beginning a multi-year journey designed to connect their university studies with the people, organisations and opportunities shaping Australia’s power sector.
The 2026 cohort includes:
17 NSW | 11 QLD | 12 VIC | 9 WA | 7 SA | 3 TAS
We are also pleased to see strong gender diversity, with 26 of the 59 scholars identifying as female, representing approximately 44 per cent of the cohort.
The PowerUP Scholarship is about more than financial support. Scholars gain access to industry learning, professional networks, events, conferences, career development and pathways towards paid industry placements with API member organisations.
Our goal is to help students graduate with the knowledge, experience, connections and confidence to build a career in Australia’s power sector.
Congratulations to our new scholars. We are excited to see where your PowerUP journey takes you, and we thank our API member organisations for continuing to invest in the next generation of Australia’s power workforce.
Apply for the TJ Effeney Award before applications close
Would you like to attend a major power industry conference, meet professionals from across the sector and connect with other power-passionate students from around Australia?
Applications for the 2026 TJ Effeney Award close on Sunday 27 September 2026.
This year, successful applicants will receive a fully funded opportunity to attend the 2026 EESA EECON in Brisbane on 10 and 11 November. The award supports students to develop their technical knowledge, strengthen their professional networks and gain greater insight into career opportunities across the power sector.
The opportunity is open to current PowerUP Scholarship recipients, registered PowerUP community members, Powerful Women in STEM participants and undergraduate students studying a power sector-related degree.
Successful recipients receive flights, accommodation and conference registration, along with activities organised by The API and its member organisations.
Join our final Inside Industry session for 2026
The third PowerUP Inside Industry session for 2026 will be held online on:
Thursday 19 November 2026
12.00 pm to 1.00 pm Brisbane, 1.00pm to 2.00 pm Sydney/Melbourne time
Online via Microsoft Teams
PowerUP Inside Industry gives undergraduate students the opportunity to hear directly from professionals working across the power sector.
The November session will explore how engineers are helping shape one of the most significant transformations in the sector’s history. Students will gain insight into areas including renewable energy, energy storage, grid stability, reliability, affordability and changing customer and community expectations.
Speakers will be announced soon, so keep an eye on The API’s website, emails and social media channels for updates.
Catch up on Inside Industry Session 1 & 2
Missed the webinars or want to revisit the discussion?
The full recording of Inside Industry Session 1 & 2 are now available free to members of the PowerUP community through The API’s online course portal.
It is a useful opportunity to hear how power sector professionals are responding to real industry challenges and to learn more about the wide range of roles available across the energy transition.
Make the most of your vacation placement
For many PowerUP students, the summer period will provide their first opportunity to experience the power sector from inside an organisation.
The API’s 2027 Learning Journal will soon be available to support students undertaking vacation work and industry placements.
The digital journal accompanies students throughout their placement and provides prompts to help them:
Capture what they are learning technically and professionally
Connect their workplace experiences with their university studies
Identify challenges, successes and areas for growth
Set personal and professional goals
Seek feedback from supervisors
Record achievements and examples that may be useful in future job applications and interviews
Completing a placement is about more than the work you are assigned. Taking time to reflect can help you recognise how much you have learned, understand where your interests lie and explain your experience confidently to future employers.
More information about accessing the 2027 Learning Journal will be shared with students and placement hosts soon.
The PowerUP Video Challenge is coming back
Students completing summer placements with API member organisations will also have another opportunity to share what they have learned through the returning PowerUP Video Challenge.
The challenge invites students to create a short video about their placement experience and help other undergraduates see what working in the power sector is really like.
It is also a chance to develop your communication and storytelling skills, showcase your experience and compete for cash prizes.
If you are heading into a vacation placement, start thinking about the projects, people, workplaces and learning moments you might like to capture. Remember to check your organisation’s requirements before taking photographs or recording video in the workplace.
Full details, including the next theme, key dates and submission requirements, will be announced soon.
Stay connected with PowerUP
From industry webinars and conference experiences to vacation placements, professional development and student challenges, PowerUP is designed to help you explore the sector and take practical steps towards your future career.
Keep an eye on The API’s emails, website and social media channels for speaker announcements, course links, placement resources and new opportunities.
Not yet part of PowerUP? Joining the community is free and gives students access to industry events, learning resources, employment opportunities and professional networks across Australia’s power sector.
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