Sometimes all it takes is a conversation to turn an interest into a real opportunity. That is exactly what Network Energy Talents is all about: bringing young people together with companies, work placements and professionals from the energy sector. After all, anyone who wants to help shape the energy transition needs not only theoretical knowledge, but also real-world insights into the world of work.
The example of Oliver Herrmann shows just how valuable such encounters can be. He is studying Renewable Energy Systems at TU Dresden and was looking for a suitable introductory work placement as part of his degree. He got talking to 50Hertz during a panel discussion organised as part of Energy Talents. A few weeks later, he received a response from the Eastern Regional Centre. And so, that initial exchange became the starting point for a four-week work placement in the field of primary technology.
A look behind the scenes of power transmission
During his work placement, Oliver gained an in-depth insight into the day-to-day work at the Eastern Regional Centre, particularly in the field of primary technology. 50Hertz is one of Germany’s four transmission system operators and operates the extra-high-voltage grid in the eastern German federal states and in Hamburg. Electricity is transmitted over long distances via this grid. In substations, transformers are used to step down the voltage from the extra-high-voltage level to lower voltage levels before distribution system operators take over the distribution.
For Oliver, this meant, above all, moving away from theory and into practice. He accompanied staff to various substations, familiarised himself with the equipment, switchgear and transformers, and gained an understanding of just how complex yet precise the processes involved in power transmission are.
His insights included, amongst other things:
- Maintenance work on transformers
- familiarising himself with switchgear and busbars
- applying the five safety rules
- inspections of overhead lines
- insights into primary and secondary technology
- working at the technical monitoring station
This made it clear to him just how many people, systems and technical components have to work together to ensure that electricity can flow reliably.
When theory suddenly becomes tangible
Oliver found the direct link to his degree course particularly exciting. During his on-site work placement, he was able to rediscover concepts he had previously learnt in his Electrical Power Engineering module. Technical terms, circuit diagrams and theoretical concepts were transformed into real-life installations, specific work procedures and practical experience.
Whether it was maintaining a transformer, looking inside a relay cabinet or inspecting an overhead line, Oliver was able to appreciate the responsibility that comes with working on the energy infrastructure. At the same time, he experienced first-hand just how important teamwork, safety and experience are in this field.
He was particularly impressed by the openness of the staff at the Eastern Regional Centre. They explained procedures, took the time to answer his questions and allowed him to get involved in the work wherever his level of knowledge permitted. The result was an internship that not only provided professional guidance but also gave him a personal insight into just how varied career paths in the energy sector can be.
Inside Internships: Turning contacts into opportunities
This is exactly where Network Energy Talents comes in. With Inside Internships, we show how initial contacts can lead to concrete practical insights. After all, the energy transition needs young people who not only want to understand it, but also actively help shape it.
This requires initiatives that provide guidance and facilitate connections. Panel discussions, university events and networking opportunities create spaces where students and companies can engage in dialogue. Such conversations can lead to work placements, contacts and new opportunities.
Oliver’s example shows that a single exchange can be the start of an important step. For students, an internship offers the opportunity to explore career fields, put their studies into context and refine their own interests. For companies, it is a chance to reach young talent at an early stage and show them the roles and development opportunities the energy sector has to offer.
Guidance for young STEM talents
Many young people are interested in technology, sustainability and issues facing the future. At the same time, it is often not immediately clear what career paths might result from these interests. The energy sector offers numerous opportunities in this regard: from grid operations and plant design, through digitalisation, project management and research, to communications, strategy and staff development.
Network Energy Talents aims to highlight this diversity. The association brings together universities, companies and young talent, and provides access to real-world experience. It is not just about information, but above all about genuine interactions. After all, those who get to know people from the sector, can ask questions and experience workplaces first-hand gain a much clearer picture of where their own path might lead.
This is precisely where Network Energy Talents’ mentoring programme comes in: it brings young people together with experienced professionals from the energy sector, creates space for questions and helps them develop their own perspectives on their studies, careers and the energy transition.
Shaping the energy transition together
Oliver’s work placement at 50Hertz shows just how valuable such insights are. A panel discussion led to a contact. That contact led to a work placement. And that work placement provided a real-life insight into the world of power transmission.
Stories like this highlight why networks such as Network Energy Talents are so important. They connect young people with companies, provide guidance and open up opportunities in an industry that is central to the future of our energy supply.
Would you like to create opportunities, nurture talent or help shape the energy transition yourself? Then join Network Energy Talents.
