The EEA wishes to recognise their contribution to our industry and seeks nominations from its members for the EEA Young Engineer of the Year Award. The award is presented to a young engineer, judged to have demonstrated great achievement and leadership within the electricity supply industry, community and stakeholders.
They must be aged under 35 as at 31 December 2026 and have a tertiary-level engineering or technology qualification and be an individual member of the EEA or staff member of a Corporate Member.
Award Prize
The winner of the EEA Young Engineer of the Year will represent New Zealand and our industry at the IEC Young Professionals Programme. The IEC is the international standards setting body for the Electricity Supply Industry and the Young Professionals Programme is the premier international forum for upcoming young engineers and engineering managers working in the field of electrotechnology.
Participants come from all over the world to look at key industry issues, learn about the IEC; its work in the development of international standards; and provides participants with the tools to get more engaged in IEC work.
The award is jointly sponsored by the EEA, Standards NZ and the NZ IEC National Committee. The prize includes travel (return economy class) and accommodation (3 nights), an award plaque and $500 cash.
Entry requirements
All entries must be comprised of the following material:
- A personal summary including academic achievements, involvement with professional and business organisations, cultural and sporting interests and community involvement.
- Employment Summary. In addition to the personal summary applicants are asked to address the five points provided in no more than 500 words per section and show how you have gained the attributes through engineering. Entries are encouraged to address the following five points:
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- Engineering competence
- Demonstrated communication and leadership skills (including leadership of teams)
- Positive/notable outcomes from their performance
- Creativity/innovation
- Community service to industry, the profession and/or society.
3. Two Referee reports. The judges may contact referees for further information or clarification.
Award Prize
The winner of the EEA Young Engineer of the Year will represent New Zealand and our industry at the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Young Professionals Programme. The prize includes travel (return economy class) and accommodation (3 nights), an award plaque and $500 cash. The Young Professionals Programme brings together the future leaders of international standardization and conformity assessment.
How to enter
You can nominate a young engineer using the form at the bottom of this page.
Our 2025 Young Engineer of the Year is Gavin Austin from Ergo Consulting
Gavin is a senior engineer employed by Ergo as the Design Section Lead – South Island Distribution and Generation.
He is a people manager, a project manager and a technical engineer, delivering large and complex design projects.
The judges were impressed by Gavin’s breadth of engineering experience – here and overseas, his leadership skills and his commitment to developing others particularly in relation to his technical training and development of the wider Ergo design teams.
Gavin is no stranger to the EEA having received awards in the past – from a scholarship to best paper winner at previous EEA and APEX conferences.
Application form: EEA Young Engineer of the Year Award
This form must accompany an application for the Young Engineer of the Year Award