top of page
Writer's pictureDavid Pointing

Summer School 2025: How to Make a Case to Your Employer for This Exclusive Workforce Development Opportunity

The clock is ticking for the standard registration deadline for the 2025 Summer School+ program, and with it comes a unique opportunity to transform your career in the power sector. Designed to equip industry professionals with strategic technical leadership capability and skills, this program stands out as a pivotal investment in workforce development.  

If you’re excited about attending but unsure how to gain your employer’s support, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to make a compelling case for why your participation in Summer School+ is a win-win for both you and your organisation.  


Why Summer School+ Is a Transformational Residential Program  

The API’s Summer School Programs supports experienced professionals in the power sector in technical and aligned roles (and new and developing team members and undergraduates and VET program students). The flagship API Summer School+ is an inspiring two-week residential program that builds career-long connections and enhances strategic, technical, communication and leadership skills through interactive sessions with industry executives and experts; delivered for and by industry for 20+ years! Linked 4-day live Retreats also support early-career professionals and undergraduate students, fostering career growth, professional connections and development of essential skills (e.g. goal setting or stakeholder engagement). All participants in the 4x linked Summer School programs also join the Executive Insights program and the Powerful Women Leadership Program (women only).   


Executive Insights: Online component  

10x CEOs and leaders in the Australian power sector each explore the strategic challenges and opportunities they see for sector - and associated leadership and career development considerations - in this annual series. Participants connect and discuss the Exec’s insights in 10x online workshops. The 10x key issues are further explored at the 2-week Summer School by the ~50 professionals at the School, who develop recommendations for action and share these with participants all the Executive Insights program via webinar. Also tips for professional development activities for the early career team members so they can best contribute to the solutions and opportunities for online Q&A, who then craft personal capability development plans for their year ahead.  


Registration for Executive Insights is open to all, and all activities are available online. All participants in the Summer School and Powerful Women Leadership Programs are auto-enrolled, and API member organisations can access free registrations each year (10x/6x/2x for Governor/Principal/Industry members). PhD candidates can also apply for scholarships to participate (worth $1,600+ each).  


Which Progam is right for you?  

Our Summer School Programs provide connected learning experiences for every career stage in the power sector. Feedback from past participants says you will gain the benefits of networking across all the programs, valuable insights and strategic knowledge on the key industry challenges. From the immersive Summer School+ for seasoned professionals to Retreats for new and developing talent, be part of the Summer School to build the knowledge and skills needed to support the transformation of our sector!  

Your experience 

Your program 

May 2025: Live component 

Feb - Jun 2025 Activities 

7+ years experience  

Summer School+ 

2 week residential School  Focus: Strategic technical leadership + soft skills 

Executive Insights Program AEMO NEM Basics Course Powerful Women Leadership Program (for all female participants) Online modules + sessions (over 5 months) API Online Academy  

4-6 years experience 

Developing Professionals Retreat 

4-day residential retreat Focus: Stakeholder engagement. Gain skills in effective stakeholder management and participate in a hands-on development workshop. 

Executive Insights Program AEMO NEM Basics Course Powerful Women Leadership Program (for all female participants) Online modules + sessions (over 5 months) API Online Academy  

0-3 years experience 

Career Starter Retreat 

4-day residential retreat Focus: Discover strategies for effective stakeholder management, Communication and goal setting live workshops.  

Executive Insights Program AEMO NEM Basics Course Powerful Women Leadership Program (for all female participants) Online modules + sessions (over 5 months) API Online Academy  

Undergraduate Women 

Powerful Women Retreat 

4-day residential retreat  Focus: Explore careers in power & connect with industry. Develop your skills in Communications and goal-setting through live workshops.  

Executive Insights Program AEMO NEM Basics Course Powerful Women Leadership Program (for all female participants) Online modules + sessions (over 5 months) API Online Academy  

Anyone working in power 

Executive Insights online 

This program is all online, but does include watching the live stream of the presentations from the API Summer School 

10x online sessions with leaders on strategic issues in power.  


Additional things for your employer to consider  

Here are three key points to emphasise when discussing this opportunity with your employer:  

  1. Direct Alignment with Organisational Goals Highlight how the program’s focus aligns with your organisation’s objectives. Whether it’s embracing renewable energy, boosting operational efficiency, or fostering leadership, Summer School+ equips participants to bring back actionable insights that directly benefit their teams.  

  2. Enhanced Problem-Solving Capabilities Emphasise the program’s practical approach. Attendees tackle case studies and real-world scenarios, meaning you’ll return with innovative solutions to some of your organisation’s most pressing challenges.  

  3. Long-Term ROI Stress the long-term value of professional development. The skills, knowledge, and connections you gain will contribute to your personal and professional growth, which in turn drives organisational success.  


Use Our Employer Support Letter Template  

To streamline the conversation with your employer, we’ve created customisable letter templates for the Program you wish to attend. Simply download, personalise, and share the letter with your manager or HR team. 








Act Now! 

The standard registration deadline is fast approaching. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your career and make a lasting impact within your organisation. Start the conversation with your employer today and secure your spot in the 2025 Summer School+ now before 1 February 2025 to avoid late registration fees. 


For more details about the program, visit api.edu.au/summer-school-programs 

5 views0 comments

Comentários


bottom of page