Pictured: Horizon Power’s Matthew Harris, Gordon Naley and Tiarnee Lester.
Over the past four years, Horizon Power has proudly partnered with CareerTrackers, a national not-for-profit organisation that supports Aboriginal university students by linking them with employers for paid internship opportunities.
Since 2021, we’ve welcomed 11 Aboriginal interns through the program, with three successfully securing ongoing work at our Bentley office, playing a part in WA’s energy transition and gaining valuable skills along the way.
Matthew Harris, current student at the University of Western Australia – and now permanent part-time employee at Horizon Power – has completed a number of internships in different divisions of the organisation and said the experience has been invaluable.
“The internship program has really allowed me to grow personally and professionally. Many others in university never get the opportunity to work in an office environment and learn interpersonal skills that are so important in the workforce,” he said.
Matt says the job has allowed him to continuously develop and expand his skillset.
“The teams I work with encourage my development by including me in meaningful project work and by valuing me as a person and colleague,” says Matt.
Tiarnee Lester, Heritage and Native Title Assistant, says her Horizon Power journey has had many significant milestones.
“In June 2023, I embarked on my first-ever internship in the Aboriginal Engagement Team. This was my first introduction into the corporate world, and it provided me with invaluable experience in office dynamics. Following that, I was offered a summer internship in the Sustainability team and secured part-time employment as a Heritage and Native Title Assistant, officially starting my career in the heritage space and my first industry job.
“I progressed from an intern in a role that was unrelated to my degree to one that now aligns perfectly with my passion. I feel I am fortunate to work for Horizon Power, a company that places great importance on Aboriginal experiences and employees, a commitment that is rare in this capacity,” says Tiarnee.
Gordon Naley, a Graduate Engineer at Horizon Power, has had a slightly different career trajectory.
“As part of my Engineering degree, I was required to complete 450 hours of professional practice. As chance would have it, in my third year of uni I received a call from CareerTrackers, who explained that their objective is to introduce young Indigenous professionals into industry and to equip them with the skills required to transition from the classroom into a professional career. I expressed my interest in the program, was introduced to the Horizon Power team, and shortly thereafter began my internship. The internship culminated in a part-time role and I was then offered a graduate position on completion of my degree in Renewable Energy.”
Gordon says that besides securing employment, one of the most rewarding aspects of his internship was the relationships established with his work colleagues.
“The camaraderie and support from my team fostered a nurturing environment that enabled my growth. Additionally, I networked with professionals across various departments, gaining valuable insights into different facets of the industry. These connections have become invaluable,” he said.
Aaron Matthews, Horizon Power Manager Traditional Owners Relationships and Reconciliation, said he was extremely proud of the interns and what they have accomplished.
“It's truly wonderful that we can provide opportunities that align with the interns' aspirations, through the work we do at Horizon Power,” he said.
Our outgoing CEO Steph Unwin congratulated all the interns who had participated in the program to date.
“CareerTrackers is a terrific program which provides students with a valuable start to their career and important professional skills. It’s rewarding to see the students grow during their time with us and we really value the different perspectives and ideas they bring to our organisation and our projects,” she said.
Horizon Power currently employs 48 Aboriginal staff – just over 8% of the workforce - in a variety of roles across its service area in WA, which includes the Kimberley, Pilbara, Mid West & Gascoyne and the Esperance & Goldfields regions.
Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.