Network operator Transgrid is partnering with Charles Sturt University with scholarships to help train the nation’s next generation of engineers and address Australia’s infrastructure skills shortage.
CEO Brett Redman announced Transgrid’s Engineering Scholarship Fund, allocating $2 million to support the education of 100 engineering students at the university’s Bathurst campus.
“Transgrid is committed to helping accelerate Australia’s transition to a cheaper, cleaner energy future by delivering some of the nation’s biggest electricity infrastructure projects,” Redman said.
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“We are building the energy superhighway which includes our new transmission projects EnergyConnect, VNI West and HumeLink. Together, they are critical to expanding our network to deliver cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy in the future. These major infrastructure projects, being built in regional NSW, will require world-class engineering expertise.
“This $2 million scholarship fund will support the next generation of engineers through their training and help to address a critical skills shortage in regional Australia, and is one way communities can benefit from the enduring legacy of these projects.”
From 2023 to 2029, the $2 million fund will award 100 $20,000 scholarships to students commencing either the Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours) or Bachelor of Technology (Civil)/Master of Engineering (Civil) programs at Charles Sturt University.
Redman said Transgrid would be working with the university to develop regional career pathways for scholarship recipients through engineering cadet placements with Transgrid and other organisations across regional New South Wales, including the Murray and Riverina.
“Cadetships give students an opportunity to gain real world skills and experience while making an important contribution to projects and communities in regional New South Wales. We are pleased to be partnering with the university to help fill a critical skills gap.”
The announcement of the scholarship fund follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Transgrid and Charles Sturt University in November 2021 to collaborate on opportunities for research, infrastructure, training and employment.
Charles Sturt University Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon said the engineering courses provide students with hands-on learning and experience, working alongside our expert teachers, researchers and industry professionals.
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“I want to thank Transgrid for their generosity and vision in working with us—these scholarships will help more students pursue their goal of becoming engineers and help to fill this gap in vitally important skills which is evident across Australia, especially in regional Australia,” Professor Leon said.
Applications for the 2023 scholarship are open until November 25, 2022. For more information, click here.
Transgrid’s scholarship grants build on the organisation’s Apprenticeship program, with applications for the 2023 apprentice intake due to close on September 4, 2022.
