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Grid Connection Engineer Graduate Program

An industry-first initiative from the Clean Energy Council and AEMO to recruit and train engineers performing a critical role for renewables.

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<p>Grid Connection Engineer Graduate Program

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What is a grid connection engineer?
The hosts
Meet the grads

Fast-tracking graduate engineers to solve one of the biggest challenges in renewable energy

Grid connection engineers play a critical role in ensuring renewable projects integrate with the electricity network, but they’re in short supply and require specialist knowledge.

The Grid Connection Engineer Graduate Program aims to address these challenges by recruiting top electrical engineering graduates and fast-tracking their experience across the industry. By undertaking multiple placements with developers, equipment manufacturers, transmission network service providers, and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), graduates stand to gain invaluable experience quickly and help improve grid connection processes.

Applications for the pilot program closed on 20 May 2024 and successful graduates commenced work in February 2025. Check back here for updates on the program and news of any further intakes.

What is a grid connection engineer?

Being a grid connection engineer is an exciting, innovative career pathway, with practitioners driving the energy transition.

Grid connection engineers are needed for all renewable energy technologies at scale. They usually hold degrees in electrical or mechatronic engineering and are required to be proficient in the use of dynamic medium- to long-term simulation models for complex systems. Ideally, practitioners have experience across a range of work settings in which grid connections play an essential role. They have excellent knowledge of the National Electricity Market and compliance requirements of AEMO or other network service providers. Grid connection engineers are employed by developers, balance-of-plant providers, consultants and AEMO.

REAL CAREERS

Read Inez' stories

Inez Zheng is a grid connection engineer working in Australia's renewable energy industry.Part of her role involves negotiations with Network Service Providers and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to help renewable projects get through the connection application process.

REAL CAREERS

Hear Pedro and Sas' stories

Pedro and Sas are two graduates working with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), one of the hosts of the program.

Video of Pedro and Sas, two grid connection engineering graduates working at AEMO

The hosts of the 2025-27 cohort

If you are interested in hosting graduates in the future please contact crigradprogram@cleanenergycouncil.org.au

Meet the graduates of the 2025-27 cohort

Setayesh Alizadeh

Setayesh Alizadeh

Grid Connection Engineer Graduate

I applied to this program because I’ve heard that the CEC supports and respects women in STEM. I hope to receive thorough training and that the hosts will provide enough work in each sector so that by the end of my rotations, I will be confident in choosing the sector I want to continue in.

Michael Donkers

Michael Donkers

Grid Connection Engineer Graduate

I'm incredibly fortunate to be a part of the pilot graduate program. Being part of this program allows me to build an amazing portfolio of experience whilst working towards a common goal that I'm incredibly passionate about; a sustainable and green energy future for Australia.

Charlie Guo

Grid Connection Engineer Graduate

I want to be an electrical engineer and use my knowledge and skills to get more impact on climate change and build more renewable energy projects.

Imasha Guruge

Grid Connection Engineer Graduate

I am excited to contribute to Australia’s clean energy transition by deepening my expertise in grid connection and renewable technologies, while gaining valuable experience that will allow me to make a meaningful impact in the sector.

Brendan Lee

Grid Connection Engineer Graduate

Throughout my time at university, the topic of renewable energy and sustainability has grown exponentially. These conversations motivated me to apply for this program, where I am able to contribute to the energy transition, and learn from industry leaders to better understand the different perspectives within this crucial transition.

Grace Margaretha

Grace Margaretha

Grid Connection Engineer Graduate

It’s certainly hard to pass up this rare opportunity. The chance to be looking at the grid as a whole, from generation to distribution, and be involved in diverse renewable projects nationwide excites me the most.

Jacques Serfontein

Jacques Serfontein

Grid Connection Engineer Graduate

I'm hoping to gain a holistic understanding of the grid connection process and energy industry as a whole, so I can help tackle the many challenges involved from different perspectives.

James Gazzard

Grid Connection Engineer Graduate

What an exciting industry to be coming into! Contributing to a sustainable future would be a dream job for any graduate.

Jessie Wang

Grid Connection Engineer Graduate

I look forward to developing a well-rounded understanding of grid connection regulators, processes, and the energy market from different perspectives, and gaining insight into the challenges and innovation driving Australia’s energy transition.

Lili Xu

Grid Connection Engineer Graduate

I’m super excited to begin my journey as a grid connection engineer in a program that enables me to gain multiple perspectives of the industry, while allowing me to make a positive contribution to our world.

Dave Lee

Grid Connection Engineer Graduate

I applied to the program because I am concerned about climate change and the energy sector is the linchpin for decarbonisation efforts. I'm doing the grid connection program to do what I can to help accelerate our transition to 82% renewables.

Naduni Arachchillage

Naduni Arachchillage

Grid Connection Engineer Graduate

I’m proud to be part of the graduate program, where I’ll gain hands-on experience through four rotations across different companies. This journey will shape me into a well-rounded Grid Connection Engineer, contributing to Australia’s clean energy future. Looking forward to learning, growing, and making an impact!

Stay tuned for more updates

We’ll post regular updates on the program and hosts and graduates experience here and in our newsletters. Subscribe for all news and updates from the Clean Energy Council in the footer below.