University students from across regional, rural and remote New South Wales will now be able to gain first-hand experience in the energy industry and contribute to projects that support Australia’s transition to renewables.

Essential Energy is launching a structured Summer Internship program, offering paid, fixed-term roles to students in their final two years of university study. The program runs from December 2025 to February 2026, aligning with the summer university break and is based at Essential Energy’s Port Macquarie corporate head office.

Internship positions are available across several disciplines critical to the future of energy and digital transformation:

• Network Engineering
• Strategy and Architecture
• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Technical Engineering
• IT Commercial and Vendor Engagement.

In addition to the above listed roles, we’re also working in collaboration with CSIRO’s Generation STEM program to offer additional internships in:

• Data/ Electrical Engineering
• Enterprise Asset Management Data Analyst.

The program gives students the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals, participate in team meetings and get involved in projects that align with their field of study.

Zoi Petford, who previously completed the summer internship program, and is now in her second year of Essential Energy’s Graduate Program, says the experience has helped her put what she had been learning into action.

"What stood out most was how supportive everyone was. They encouraged me to grow, helped me build confidence, and made the transition from uni to the workplace feel far less daunting,” Zoi says,

“That experience confirmed I was on the right career path and set me up for my journey from intern to graduate.”

As the energy sector in Australia undergoes one of the most exciting transformations of our time, fresh thinkers are needed to help power the change, and students will also gain valuable insights into the opportunities available.

Whilst interns are required to relocate to the coastal town of Port Macquarie, students will be assisted with accommodation reserved at Charles Sturt University (CSU) and a relocation allowance of $1000 is available for eligible participants.

Applications open Monday September 22, 2025 and close Monday October 6, 2025.

To learn more about the program requirements, accommodation options, and recruitment process, visit: Internship Program.