With STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) the key to future growth in the Australian economy – and reliable power central to that growth – there was some good news recently for a group of Charles Sturt University (CSU) students.

This involved a total of 20 young men and women from across regional NSW, recently being awarded $20,000 towards the cost of their education.

Now in its third year, the Transgrid Engineering Scholarship Fund supports dozens of CSU engineering students, as a way of empowering future leaders of the renewable energy transition.

All scholarship recipients – including those from Molong, Orange, Blayney, Bathurst, and Wallerawang – cover the Central West, Central Tablelands, New England, Mid North Coast, and Riverina regions. These are communities where critical energy infrastructure is being planned or currently being built, Transgrid Operations of Major Projects General Manager, Daniel Banovic, said.

“Recipients of these scholarships have the opportunity to be at the forefront of NSW’s renewable energy transition and we are proud to support them to ease the financial burden and allow them to focus on their studies,” Mr Banovic explained.

“Empowering young engineers from regional Australia, will help deliver these projects and set them up for future careers in the industry,” he added.

Projects they are involved in for future energy needs, he explained, include a 2500km “energy superhighway” comprising the nation-building EnergyConnect, HumeLink, and VNI West projects, all located in southern and western NSW.

“These projects will require hundreds of skilled personnel and world-class engineers now and in the years to come and we are committed to investing in the energy workforce to address jobs and skills shortages in regional NSW.

“We’re delighted to support another 21 engineering students this year, bringing the total number of scholarships awarded to 58 so far under the $2 million program,” Mr Banovic said.

The grants are also a way of signalling the importance of developing STEM champions for our future growth, CSU Manager of Development Justin Williams said.

“These scholarships do more than just ease financial pressure; they send a clear message to students that industry leaders believe in their potential,” Mr Williams said. “Thanks to Transgrid’s continued support, we’re helping to keep talented engineers in regional Australia, where their skills are needed most.”

The program is also helping keep our best and brightest in the bush where they can help develop energy infrastructure for the years ahead, he believes.

“This program is a remarkable example of what sustained industry partnership can achieve; in just three years, we have already seen lives changed, ambitions realised, and a growing pipeline of regional engineering talent,” Mr Williams said.

“Transgrid’s commitment to supporting 100 new engineering students is more than a goal. It is a clear signal to young people in regional communities that their futures matter,” he concluded.