WHAT IS A POWER ENGINEER

BECOME A POWER ENGINEER & POWER OUR WORLD.

WHAT IS A POWER ENGINEER

Electricity impacts everyones life. Although it is invisible, electricity is something real and essential. It shapes the way we live. Without electricity, it would be near impossible to live like we do today. Think about life with limited or no electricity no lights, no computers, no television and no household appliances. No way!

Power engineers are the people who make sure we have electricity - day in and day out. They plan, design, construct, operate and maintain power systems and equipment.This is the infrastructure that generates, transports and distributes electricity the heartbeat of modern society.

If you choose power engineering as your field of study or your career, the opportunities are huge. These technical specialists work on large-scale power projects to produce and deliver electricity across towns, states and countries. Some even develop specialised and remote power systems for major industrial sites such as mines, and aircraft and electric rail networks and many are working to create new technologies that will create environmentally sustainable energy solutions.

If you become a power engineer, youll be helping to guarantee electricity supply to keep businesses and households going allowing us to do what we have to do and importantly, do what we want to do.

CHALLENGING FIELDAs a power engineer there is no such thing as a normal day forget about boredom it doesnt exist when you are busy providing the essential service of electricity. And truly, this isnt to be taken lightly when the effects of not having electricity are extreme from being simply inconvenient, costly or outright disastrous.

If you enjoy teamwork, learning new and exciting things every day, and using your problem-solving skills to solve tricky issues then power engineering is the career for you. And if you like maths and science, love teamwork and have leadership qualities youve got what it takes.

Even better, youll experience the challenge of applying your technical know how in the real world and have a range of the latest information and communication technology at your fingertips.

FIELD WITH DEMANDWant to be wanted? As a power engineer thats exactly what youll be.

With the current skills shortage for suitably qualified power engineers theres heaps of opportunities! Your career can take you across Australia or across the world. And with our modern day world depending on electricity every second of the day the demand for power engineers isnt expected to change anytime soon it will only continue to soar!

Think about how life would be - working and travelling abroad in a high profile and rewarding career. Pick and choose who you want to work for and where across different roles, companies, industries and countries. Wouldnt it be great to be part of a graduate program and have a large number of job offers straight out of university? Or imagine being head hunted by a leading company during your career? Positions are available in energy companies, manufacturers, large energy users or in consulting engineering firms. You would have options the choice would be yours!

Whats also cool is that the industry offers many scholarships and bursaries which not only provide some money during your student years but also opportunities to complete work experience with a variety of energy companies. This way, youll get to see first hand what power engineers do and a chance to put into practice the theory you learn at university. Make sure you keep a look out for information about these.

Power engineers are drawn from a range of engineering disciplines - electrical, mechanical and the new discipline of mechatronic engineering. They play a critical role in the energy supply chain. This involves system planning and analysis, equipment design and manufacture through to the operation and management of these systems, equipment and processes.

If you enjoy planning and managing projects power engineering is the career for you.REWARDING FIELD Power engineering has a lot to offer and rewards you in the right ways good pay, good lifestyle, good times and a great career!

Most of us dream of having enough money to do the things we want to do and buy what we want. A popular drawcard for power engineering is the attractive salary. Currently, it is the second highest paid stream of engineering. With continued sector growth and the shortage of qualified people, the average starting salary for a graduate is $60,000 per annum excluding superannuation. With three to five years in the industry, the average salary rises to just under $100,000.

But thats not all.

Companies employing power engineers recognise the need to develop and retain high quality professionals. This involves extensive training and development, mentoring and rotation between roles so you can be the best you can be and advance from Graduate Engineer to Experienced Engineer to Engineering Manager in a pretty short timeframe.

The industry also prides itself on work / life balance with most companies providing flexible working hours. The strong focus on creating a team environment also helps provide a friendly environment in and out of work hours - with sporting and social activities regularly on offer.

And theres more

If you become a power engineer, the world is at your feet. The global nature of the industry and demand for power engineers means theres a very real chance that you will move up the ladder fast and youll gain broad and varied experience, while seeing Australia, if not the world.

MAKE A DIFFERENCEAs a power engineer, you can make your mark on the world and contribute to its wellbeing now and into the future.

Power engineers are trained to develop systems and processes that are safe and accessible, and dont cost the earth in terms of dollars and impact on the environment.

The industry is leading the way in the development of renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency initiatives and systems to reduce greenhouse impact. These include geothermal power, enhanced solar, tidal and wind energy systems, carbon sequestration and geo sequestration.

By becoming a power engineer, you can champion change and help the electricity industry control greenhouse gases and develop sustainable energy solutions to help us maintain our lifestyles now and into the future.1 of 3