Contact Energy

Attracting new and diverse talent to the energy sector is essential to Aotearoa New Zealand's renewable energy future. Contact's Early Careers programme responds to sector-wide workforce challenges by reframing early careers as a long-term, values-led talent strategy. Spanning graduates, interns and apprentices, the programme embeds Contact's renewable energy purpose across attraction, selection and development, prioritising potential over experience and enabling inclusive access to energy careers.

Supported by strong partnerships and enhanced manager capability, the strategy delivered significant results: applications increased 315%, female representation reached 87%, Māori and Pasifika applications rose over 1,000%, and candidate experience remained exceptionally high - positioning Contact as a sector leader in inclusive talent development.