Three Aboriginal university students in Perth have made the leap from interns to employees at WA's regional energy provider, cementing a foundation for a future career in the energy industry.

The trio's employment at Horizon Power was a result of its internship program, run since 2021 in partnership with not-for-profit CareerTrackers, which connects First Nations university students with employers for paid internship positions.

Eleven Indigenous interns have completed the program at Horizon Power's base in Bentley, just south of Perth, setting foundations for a career in the energy sector.

Horizon Power's 48 Aboriginal staff work in a variety of roles in the state's Kimberley, Pilbara, Mid West, Gascoyne, Esperance and Goldfields regions, aiding the provider's generation, transmission, distribution and retail services.

Powering 47,000 customers across 2.3 million square kilometres, Horizon Power has the biggest geographical catchment of any single provider in Australia.

University of Western Australia student Matthew Harris was now a part-time employee at Horizon Power after completing several internships across different divisions of the organisation.

"The program helped me grow personally and professionally," he said.

"Many others at university never get the opportunity to work in an office environment and learn interpersonal skills that are important in the workforce."

Mr Harris, who works in Horizon's government relations department, said the position also provided regular development opportunities.

"The teams I work with encourage development by including me in project work and valuing me as a person and colleague," he said.

Heritage and Native Title assistant Tiarnee Lester's internship at Horizon Power began in June 2023, working with its Aboriginal engagement team.

"It was my first introduction to the corporate world, and now I have experience in office dynamics," she said.

"After that I was offered a summer internship in Horizon's sustainability team and now have part-time employment, officially starting a career in the heritage space, my first industry job."

Graduate engineer Gordon Naley completed 450 hours of professional practice as part of his degree, before landing a role with Horizon after a chance phone call from CareerTrackers during his third year studying.

"They explained they were trying to introduce young Indigenous professionals to the industry, and equip them with skills to transition from university to professional work," he said.

"After showing interest, I was introduced to the Horizon Power team and shortly after began my internship."

His journey culminated in a part-time position at the regional service provider, before a graduate position was offered after he finished a renewable energy degree.

"The camaraderie and support from my team has led to a nurturing environment and helped me grow," Mr Naley said.

"I have networked with professionals across various departments, and gained insights into different facets of the industry, while building invaluable connections."

Horizon Power's manager of Traditional Owners relationships and Reconciliation, Aaron Matthews, expressed pride at the achievements of the interns.

"It's truly wonderful we can provide opportunities that align with their aspirations through the work we do as a regional service provider," he said.

Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin urged other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from all disciplines and backgrounds should get involved in the CareerTrackers program.

"It provides students with a valuable start to their career and important professional skills… and it's rewarding to see them develop during their time with us," she said.

"We really value the different perspectives and ideas they bring to our organisation and our projects."

The program was an essential investment in building the energy provider's future workforce in the clean energy space.

"It is especially pleasing to see some of the students continue on with us and help Horizon Power support WA's journey to net zero [emissions]," Ms Unwin said.

More information about the program is available via the Horizon Power Website or by emailing careers@horizonpower.com.au.