If you want to change the world, the power industry is a great place to work. It’s about creating energy for the future: we need to provide for a growing population while conserving natural resources and minimising climate change.
Electricity is the largest sector in New Zealand’s energy industry and employs about 12,000 people. You might find work in energy generation from renewable sources such as hydropower, wind, solar and geothermal, or work in maintaining and improving transmission line networks. Other roles include developing micro-generation, such as roof-top solar panels and small wind turbines, and encouraging energy conservation.
Alternatively, you might want a role in oil and gas production, which is our fourth-largest export industry. This includes working on offshore platforms and prospecting for new gas and oil fields – a major discovery could result in thousands more jobs and billions of dollars.
A lot of people with technology, engineering and science skills are involved in making sure the light comes on when you hit the switch and that your car has petrol in the tank, including:
- Electrical engineers design systems that produce and distribute electricity, and look after electrical equipment at power stations and throughout the distribution network.
- Geothermal scientists and engineers focus on underground heat reservoirs that can be tapped to generate renewable electricity.
- Transmission line engineers improve and maintain the extensive network of power lines that bring electricity from where it’s generated to homes and businesses.
- Power systems engineers design substations, switchyards and surge protection schemes to ensure a continuous supply of electricity.
- Geologists use their knowledge of soils, rocks and faults to locate oil, natural gas and mineral deposits.
Other roles in this industry include:
- Line mechanics and electrical and mechanical fitters, who repair and install electrical wiring and machinery
- Computer systems technicians
The main employers in this industry are:
- Power generating companies such as Contact, Genesis, Meridian and Mighty River Power
- Transpower, which operates the National Grid
- Regional lines companies such as Unison, Powerco and Vector
- Engineering consultancies
- Oil and gas exploration and refining companies
Key tertiary qualifications include:
- New Zealand Diploma in Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Technology or Bachelor of Engineering, in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Science
- Bachelor of Science in Geology, Geophysics or Earth Sciences
Required and recommended senior secondary school subjects:
- Physics (required for engineering pathways)
- Maths, especially Calculus (required for engineering pathways)
- Statistics & Modelling
- Technology subjects such as Electronics, Design & Visual Communication