Lighting the Way: Inspiring Mercy College Students Through Power and Solar Energy

I recently had the privilege of visiting Mercy College Coburg as a Power Ambassador with The Australian Power Institute (The API). The session was organised by the school’s STEM Leader, Dr Fiachra Barry, for Year 9 STEM students.

During the visit, I delivered a presentation covering the electricity supply chain, the growing role of renewable energy and the many emerging career opportunities available across the power sector. I also introduced students to the resources and programs available through The API to support high school students interested in pursuing STEM and energy-related careers.

An important part of the presentation focused on energy poverty and the work of SolarBuddy, an impact organisation that brings together a global community to help illuminate the futures of children living without reliable access to electricity.

The students were inspired to learn how a simple solar light could make a meaningful difference to the lives of children living in energy-poor communities.

Following the presentation, Dr Fiachra Barry and I supported the students in a hands-on STEM activity, during which they assembled solar-powered lamps for their SolarBuddy recipients. The instructions were straightforward, and the students approached the activity with enthusiasm, care and close attention to detail.

One of the most memorable parts of the session was seeing the students write letters to their SolarBuddy recipients. Their creativity, kindness and thoughtful messages were truly moving. Reading what they had written reinforced the positive impact these activities can have, not only on the recipients of the lamps but also on the students themselves.

The students thoroughly enjoyed the activity and were exceptionally cooperative throughout the session. They took great pride in assembling the lamps and demonstrated genuine compassion and engagement with the purpose behind the project.

It was a rewarding experience to engage with such enthusiastic young minds. I am grateful to Dr Fiachra Barry, Mercy College Coburg and The Australian Power Institute for the opportunity to help inspire the next generation of STEM and energy professionals.

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About The API’s Power Ambassador Program

The API’s Power Ambassador Program connects power sector professionals with schools and students to build awareness of the important role electricity plays in our everyday lives and the diverse careers available across the industry.

Power Ambassadors share their knowledge, experiences and career journeys through engaging school presentations and activities. These sessions help students understand how the electricity system works, learn about renewable energy and the energy transition, and discover how subjects such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics can lead to meaningful careers in the power sector.

By bringing real-world industry experience into the classroom, the program aims to inspire more young people to consider a future in STEM and help build the skilled and diverse workforce needed to support Australia’s energy future.

Power sector professionals interested in becoming a Power Ambassador, or schools interested in hosting a session, are encouraged to express their interest here: https://www.api.edu.au/power-ambassadors.