Powering a new generation of energy professionals

A fusion of inspiration swept through Toowoomba last week as 16 ambitious Year 9 and 10 students from local high schools participated in a two-day STEM camp.

Hosted by the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) and Ergon Energy Network, the camp helped the students from Chinchilla SHS, Oakey SHS, Clifton SHS, The Glennie School, St Ursula’s College and St Mary’s College gain valuable STEM skills, hear from industry representatives and professionals, and gain insights into the future of the energy sector.

Ergon Energy Network’s General Manager for Renewables and Distributed Energy Glenn Springall said the company was proud to support the initiative and keen to see many students consider using their STEM education to work on Queensland’s power network.

“The state’s electricity industry is evolving at such a rapid rate that we need the brightest STEM minds taking up the challenge to ensure Queensland has a safe and reliable power supply both now and well into the future,” he said.

“With more than 850,000 Queensland homes with rooftop solar installed, and 250-plus large-scale network batteries planned and under construction, alongside the advancement of state-of-the-art micro grids in isolated and remote communities, STEM students who choose the electrical industry have an exciting future ahead in developing, expanding and managing these assets to ensure everyone’s lights stay on.

“That’s why we were excited and proud to be part of the STEM camp, meeting the problem-solvers of tomorrow and providing them with information on careers in which they can make a real and positive difference to the community.”

The first day of the camp included a tour of Ergon Energy Network’s South Street site in Toowoomba and a visit to UniSQ’s Makerspace.

On the second day, creative sparks flew as the students participated in various hands-on workshops and activities, including a LEGO escape room challenge.

UniSQ Electrical Discipline Leader Dr Les Bowtell said in addition to opening their eyes to possible career pathways, the camp allowed students to develop their STEM skills in a fun and engaging way.

“The practical activities provided the students an opportunity to improve their collaboration, planning, problem-solving and reporting capabilities, which are all vital for people embarking on a career in STEM,” Dr Bowtell said.

“They also got a taste of university life with a visit to our labs and a chance to engage with our professionals and researchers in automation engineering, spatial science, surveying and mechanical engineering.”

Dr Bowtell said technological advances had created new jobs at a record rate and a greater need to bolster the workforce to ensure a sustainable energy future.

“If we can’t grow the talent here and develop our own renewables and future technologies, then we’ll become 100 per cent reliant on imports, which will put the nation at great financial risk,” he said.

The camp was supported by a sponsorship from Ergon Energy Network.