Grid Connection Engineer Graduate Program
Grid Connection Engineer Graduate Program
The Clean Energy Council and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) have teamed up to offer the Grid Connection Engineer Graduate Program, an industry-first initiative for electrical engineering graduates. This initiative aims to address the shortage of connections engineers by establishing an industry-wide graduate program, where graduates will rotate through roles with OEMs, developers, TNSPs and AEMO.
Applications for a trial of the program closed on 20 May 2024 and successful graduates are due to commence in February 2025. 10 companies are participating in the trial.
Background
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 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.
A graduate program designed to fast track experience
To address this shortage, the Clean Energy Council and AEMO have come together to create a unique industry-wide graduate program, offering participants experiences and learning opportunities not available in other programs. By bringing together multiple employing organisations as hosts, graduates in this program will have the opportunity to gain invaluable experience and new skills as they rotate through multiple work settings, whilst also receiving additional job-ready training and networking opportunities.
Timeline
- Applications opened – 15 April 2024
- Applications closed – 20 May 2024
- Gamified assessment closed – 1 June 2024
- Video assessment closed – 24 June 2024
- Assessment centres – 24-26 July 2024
- Letters of offer – early August 2024
- Program commences – February 2025
Working as an engineer
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
When you receive the handbook, page 7 asks you two questions to confirm your eligibility.
The program is designed as a two-year full-time program (38 hours per week). No other arrangements are available currently.
Should you have extenuating circumstances please email CRIgradprogram@cleanenergycouncil.org.au.
Yes, the program has been designed with several technical and non-technical courses which are evenly distributed amongst each rotation. There will also be opportunities to participate in networking events as a cohort.
Each rotation will look different so no two rotations will be the same. However, you will work with a range of different teams and work on various projects. This will provide hands on experience with multiple aspects of the grid connection process including engaging with stakeholders, learning different compliance and policy requirements and more.
There will also be additional training and events which will be arranged through each rotation.
Melbourne: AEMO Office
Brisbane: AEMO Office
The initial application will require you to upload a copy of your CV and any documentation relating to your right to work.
Based on the design of the program it is not possible for a reduced hours arrangement. However, requests for reduced hours must be discussed with the program manager prior to the Video interview stage. Once you are employed any changes or requests are managed on an individual basis with the current host organisation and Airswift.
You may discuss any unplanned leave or deferral of you position with the program manager.
As part of our program and for you to gain the most out of the rotations you will be required to work at your host organisations nominated office 3 days a week with support and guidance each day and then you have the option of working from home for 2 days.
The graduate program manager will be your point of contact along with support provided by Airswift and the host organisations.