The Future of Power Engineering: How API is Shaping a Smarter, More Inclusive Workforce
- Stephanie Somerville
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
As Australia’s energy sector navigates one of the most complex transitions in its history, the demand for a smarter, more adaptive, and more diverse power engineering workforce has never been greater. At the forefront of this challenge is the Australian Power Institute (API), which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025 with a renewed commitment to shaping the future.
Under the leadership of Renée Anderson—Executive of People and Stakeholder at TasNetworks and the newly appointed Chair of API—the organisation is stepping into a more strategic and collaborative role. “API has a unique opportunity,” Renée says. “We connect universities, government, and industry—and that puts us in a powerful position to influence how Australia prepares its future power engineers.”
Broadening the Definition of a Power Engineer
Renée sees the traditional concept of power engineering as too narrow for the current landscape. “Engineering now goes beyond technical excellence,” she explains. “We need professionals who can engage with communities, understand the customer impact of infrastructure decisions, and bring diverse thinking to complex challenges.”
This shift demands a broader skillset—communication, commercial acumen, and resilience are no longer optional but essential. API’s suite of programs, particularly its flagship Summer School, is being retooled to reflect these evolving needs. Through immersive industry exposure and skills-based development, students are introduced to the realities of working in the modern energy sector.
Building a Pipeline of Diverse Talent
One of the most pressing challenges for the sector is talent—both attracting and retaining it. Renée highlights that “everyone’s chasing the same people right now.” What’s needed, she argues, is a more creative and inclusive approach to recruitment and training.
Programs like TasNetworks’ Career Revive—offering return-to-work opportunities for parents, migrants, and career changers—are showing what’s possible when legacy recruitment systems are replaced with human-centred strategies. API is now exploring how similar approaches could be adopted across its national member base.
API is also focused on gender diversity and social inclusion. From sponsoring women’s rugby competitions to expanding participation in professional development programs, the goal is to reach new audiences and break stereotypes about who belongs in engineering.
Working Better, Together
Collaboration is a major theme of API’s new direction. Renée is clear: “It’s not about duplicating what other national bodies like CIGRE or Engineers Australia do—it’s about complementing them.” API’s strength lies in its specific focus on skills development, education pathways, and workforce strategy.
By working with industry partners to co-design experiences, curriculum advice, and outreach efforts, API ensures that graduates are ready not just for today’s grid—but tomorrow’s energy future. A national lens is essential, says Renée: “We can help organisations think beyond state boundaries and act in the interest of a stronger national workforce.”
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, API plans to continue evolving its programs to prepare graduates and early-career professionals for a sector that’s constantly changing. As Renée notes, “The next generation of engineers won’t just build the future—they’ll shape how the sector thinks about community, sustainability, and innovation.”
With new momentum, strategic leadership, and deep-rooted partnerships across the country, the API is poised to help power engineering—and the people behind it—reach new heights.
See Renée's speech notes below from the API's 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner on Thursday 22nd May 2025:
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