Grid Connection Engineer Graduate Program
An industry-first initiative to recruit and train engineers performing a critical role for renewables.
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.
Designed and launched by the Clean Energy Council in collaboration with the Australian Energy Market Operator, the first graduate cohort commenced in early 2025. While the Clean Energy Council will continue to support promotion of the program and future cohort recruitment, the program is now administered by AEMO – find out more on their website or email lauren.howard@aemo.com.au
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.
Read Jessie' story
“This program is a unique and exciting opportunity - it compresses years of experience into a much shorter time frame.”
Read Michael's story
“The generosity of the senior engineers at GE Vernova to help me learn and progress has been my highlight of the program so far.”
The hosts of the 2025-27 cohort
If you are interested in hosting graduates in the future please contact lauren.howard@aemo.com.au.
Meet the graduates of the 2025-27 cohort
Setayesh Alizadeh
Michael Donkers
Charlie Guo
Brendan Lee
Grace Margaretha
Imasha Guruge
Jacques Serfontein
Jessie Wang
Lili Xu
Dave Lee
James Gazzard
