New Graduate passionate about renewable energy

As Nick Pappapetros neared the end of his electrical engineering studies, he had no doubt he wanted to work in the energy sector.

Excited by the shift towards renewable energy, he was eager to be involved in advancing the technology and realising the environmental benefits it offers.

Speaking one week into his new role as a graduate electrical engineer with regional Queensland electricity distributor, Ergon Energy, Nick was relishing the opportunities of his new role.

During three years in the company’s Graduate Program, he’ll complete a series of rotations through various work groups, gaining an understanding of the business and varying aspects of electrical engineering.

His first rotation is in the protection group. “This work group is focused on installing devices that protect the integrity of the electricity network,” Nick explains. “The focus is on preventing catastrophic events.”

Nick has moved from Brisbane to the North Queensland city of Townsville to take up the role and appreciates the quieter traffic. “I love it. You can go from one side of town to other in 20 minutes. It’s five minutes to get to work.”

He’s also been impressed by the company’s strong community focus. “It certainly appeals to me that Ergon Energy is community focused. We offer energy saving tips to customers and sponsor community events.”

And he already loves the work. “It’s going to be really interesting. Everyone has been very kind and welcoming.”

Nick is looking forward to the annual graduate conference which brings together the 30 graduates in Ergon Energy’s Graduate Program.

His advice to students applying for graduate opportunities is to take the recruitment process one step at a time and be honest with prospective employers.