Celebrating the Next Generation of Power Talent: Highlights from the 2025 Power Up Scholarship Celebration

On 31 July 2025, the API community came together online to celebrate the newest recipients and graduating scholars of the Power Up Scholarship program. With more than 2,000 students now part of the Power Up community, this annual event is a heartwarming reminder of the passion, potential, and promise within Australia’s future power workforce. 

Welcome to Our 2025 Scholars 

The event opened with warm welcomes and acknowledgements, celebrating the 2025 cohort of scholars—drawn from every corner of the country—and sharing some standout statistics: 

• 1,333 students joined the Power Up community in 2025 

• 844 signed up to the API Jobs List 

• 50% of scholarship applicants were women 

• 26% were born overseas 

• 10% are first in their family to attend university 

This diversity reflects the future of the Australian energy sector: inclusive, ambitious, and connected. 

Industry Opportunities and Community Connections 

Students heard about the many upcoming opportunities through API, including: 

• Inside Industry sessions 

• Power Up Summit with keynotes from API Board Chair Renée Anderson and Aurecon’s Ryan Turner

• Powerful Women Leadership Program 

• Summer School Retreats 

Aastha Makkar and Stephanie Somerville highlighted how these events are designed to build knowledge, confidence, and networks—helping students become career-ready and connected with the sector. 

Graduation Reflections: Advice from Those Who’ve Been There 

One of the most powerful parts of the celebration was hearing from graduating scholars as they reflected on their Power Up journeys. Their words offered practical advice and heartfelt encouragement for the incoming cohort. 

Rin Gomura reminded students that technical skills are only part of the story: 

“You're there to learn a lot of technical skills, but you're also there to equally make connections. Try to network and meet people outside your team. Use that time wisely.” 

Adi Gandhi shared how attending a conference as a Power Up student transformed his perspective: 

“It gave me a great overall understanding of the industry and all the different ways you can contribute to it. Talking to amazing people and hearing different perspectives was eye-opening.” 

Sia Dubey encouraged students to be proactive: 

“Apply for all the opportunities that come your way. It's a great way to build leadership and networking skills. I started with the Powerful Women Program and it really kickstarted my involvement.” 

Laura Musgrave spoke about how the program built her technical confidence: 

“I went from knowing nothing about the industry to understanding how the NEM works, what network service providers do, and the logistics of integrating renewables. I couldn’t have predicted how useful this program would be.” 

Anshdeep Chawla emphasised the value of exploration: 

“Use your summer placements to explore different areas of the sector. Try different companies or teams—you’ll discover what you like and where you want to be. That way, you’re not just diving in blind after graduation.” 

Trivia, Breakout Chats, and Power Career Dreams 

The celebration wrapped up with a friendly trivia competition (congrats to Tom, our Uber Eats voucher winner!) and breakout sessions where students shared why they’re passionate about working in power. Whether driven by a commitment to renewables, the excitement of working on complex systems, or the influence of family members already in the industry, their stories were all inspiring. 

Why It Matters 

The Power Up Scholarship is more than just financial support—it’s a launchpad into one of Australia’s most exciting and important industries. This year’s celebration showed just how connected, passionate, and prepared our students are. We’re proud of every scholar and thrilled to support your journey. 

If you’re interested in joining the Power Up Program or know someone who should, learn more here.