What is the API Summer School?
Provided for industry by industry for 20+ plus years
The API Summer School is the Australian Power Institute’s flagship national residential program for professionals, developing professionals, and undergraduate women across the Australian power sector.
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Now celebrating over 30 years of impact (initially founded with EESA), it brings together emerging and established leaders to:
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Explore real strategic challenges shaping our energy future
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Hear directly from industry executives and innovators
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Join technical site tours, networking events, and workshops
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Build a national professional network that lasts well beyond the event
Where and when is the program held?
Join us in Rydes, Southbank in Brisbane from 11-22 May 2026!
Elevate your power sector career with our 2-week residential program for experienced professionals (7+ years), and 4-day residential retreats for developing professionals (4-6 years) and undergraduate women. Join expert-led workshops, gain strategic insights and network with industry leaders at the API Summer School
Who runs the program?
The Australian Power Institute (API) is a not-for-profit organisation funded by its members across the electricity and energy industries.
Our mission is to develop the future power workforce; from primary school engagement to leadership development.
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We’re a small, passionate team supported by a broad member base including transmission and distribution networks, generation companies, consultancies, universities, and government agencies.
What programs are a part of Summer School 2026?
The 2026 School includes a connected suite of programs designed for different career stages:
Executive Insights (Online, Feb–Jun 2026)
A 10-part online speaker series featuring senior executives who present strategic challenge questions for participants to explore at Summer School.
Summer School – Professionals (Residential, 11–22 May 2026)
A two-week residential program in Brisbane for professionals with 7+ years’ experience. Includes leadership sessions, industry panels, site tours, and networking dinners.
Developing Professionals Retreat (19–22 May 2026)
A four-day retreat for mid-career professionals (approx. 4–6 years’ experience), including stakeholder engagement workshops, site visits, and mentoring from senior professionals.
Undergraduate Powerful Women Retreat (19–22 May 2026)
A four-day retreat for female undergraduate students studying energy or related fields. Includes goal-setting, networking, and industry exposure opportunities.
Powerful Women Leadership Program (complimentary)
All women attending the Summer School 2026 programs automatically join this complementary year-long program focused on connection, confidence, and visibility for women in energy.
Who can attend?
Professionals:
Last year, we launched two early career retreat programs for our power professional community as well as an undergraduate retreat program to support your career journey.
Developing Professionals:
Engineers and professionals with approximately 4–6 years’ experience.
Undergraduate Women:
Female students studying energy or power-related disciplines (20 scholarships available).
Non-members:
Welcome to apply; several non-member organisations participate each year.
How do I apply or get nominated?
Participants are usually nominated through their employer.
If you’re unsure who your API contact is, email programs@api.edu.au and we’ll connect you with the right person.
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For undergraduate scholarships, apply directly through the API website.
You’ll need a brief academic reference; this can be from any lecturer or STEM educator who knows your work (not necessarily someone currently teaching you).
When do applications close?
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Early Bird applications: 30 November 2025
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First round (Undergraduate Scholarships): Early December 2025
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Final round: 1 February 2026
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Spaces are limited: around 50 professionals, 30 developing professionals, and 20 undergraduates, so early applications are encouraged.
What's a typical day like?
For professionals:
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Sessions run from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
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Evenings feature networking dinners and speaker events
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Weekend in-between the two weeks is free for rest or informal catch-ups
For retreat participants:
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Sessions begin after lunch on 19 May and run through to 22 May, including evening networking and joint activities with professional delegates.
What should I pack?
Dress code:
Business casual
For site visits:
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Long-sleeve cotton shirt and long pants
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Steel-cap safety shoes
(API provides hard hats and safety glasses)
Retreat participants don’t need steel-caps but should bring closed-toe shoes, long sleeves and pants for site days.
What’s included?
Your registration or scholarship covers:
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Accommodation and all meals
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Site visits and technical tours
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Networking dinners and social event
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Leadership and communication workshops
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Digital Credly badges upon completion
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$300 travel reimbursement (for undergraduate scholarship holders)
Do I need to attend the full program?
​Yes.
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Professionals: Full two-week attendance required
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Developing Professionals & Undergraduates: Full four-day retreat attendance required.
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Participants should also attend the Executive Insights sessions, live or recorded.
Are there evening events?
Yes! Evening dinners are a highlight of the program — a chance to connect with peers, speakers, and executives.
If you can’t attend a particular dinner, please let the API team know so transport and catering can be adjusted.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. All participants receive Credly digital badges to recognise their participation in the Summer School and Executive Insights programs.
Additional badges are also issued for participation in API’s Powerful Women Leadership Program.
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Further, there is opportunity to win awards for the 'Best Strategic Project Presentation (Group) and Best Strategic Project Presentation Presenter (Individual) - presented at the API's Gala Dinner.
Who attends?
Delegates travel from across Australia — representing utilities, government agencies, consultants, and universities.
Each year, around 50 professional delegates, 30 developing professionals, and 20 undergraduates form a national learning cohort.
Why should I attend?
The API Summer School is a career-defining experience that offers:
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Exclusive access to senior industry leaders
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Insights into national energy strategy and innovation
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Cross-generational networking with future leaders
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Practical skills in communication, collaboration, and leadership
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A national network that lasts for years to come
Still have questions?
We’d love to hear from you!
Email us at programs@api.edu.au for any further queries.
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Follow us on our socials for updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes stories from the 2025 API Summer School
