"The next 28 years will be the single most politically, technologically and financially exciting time in the history of the Australian power industry, as we progress toward a net-zero nation in 2050."

I want to be there to see that change. I want to be there to lead that change.

Cassidy Chellis

API Bursary Recipient (Graduating 2023)

WHO ARE THEY: I approach engineering with a three-pronged approach. My years of leadership experience, having led groups and organisations of anywhere between 6 and 1700 people, allows me to contextualise my decisions within the wider sphere of the institution. My extensive history in the physical trades allows me to have realistic and refined expectations of the speed and quality of construction, while giving me a thorough and fundamental intuition for safety. Finally, my engineering experience has given me the confidence to pursue projects of any scope, whether solo or working in a team, and to quickly, efficiently supplement my knowledge where needed.

KEY STRENGTHS: Leadership, Adaptivity, Autodidacticism

WHY CHOOSE THIS DEGREE?

The power industry is the cornerstone of global society. Right now, it is experiencing the single greatest structural change since the invention of the steam engine. Australia has committed itself through the Paris Agreement to become carbon neutral by 2050, switching to a renewables-based, and potentially even a hydrogen-based economy. And so, the next 28 years will be the single most challenging and exciting time in the history of the Australian energy industry. I want to be there to see that change. I want to be there to lead that change.

My Journey

Where it all started for me

Completed High School

What did I end up studying?

Bachelor of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering from Monash University

Entering the industry

My previous work experience

As an 18-year old undergraduate, fresh out of my first year of university, I got an internship at a small-town solar firm. I was given one of their more unusual projects: the design and tendering of a floating solar array, the largest ever to have been built in Australia. Over the next six weeks, I designed every aspect of that solar farm myself, learning as much as I could about solar design, grid protection, international procurement, automation processes, financing, risk management, construction processes and the unique challenges of building offshore. I learned more in those six weeks than ever I had before, and perhaps even since.

Though it was for but a short time, I continue to use the skills I learned in those six weeks on an almost daily basis, whether through my design automation work at Aurecon, or through my industry research and modelling with Marsden Jacob Associates.

My work placement experience

What I'm doing now

I want to continue to develop my three-pronged approach, gaining ever more experience in leadership, in the physical side of electrical systems, and in the techno-economic aspects of both power system design and energy market regulation.

I want to help lead the Australian transition to net-zero, but I cannot do that without an intimate understanding of all the constituent markets and technologies of the energy industry. So, for now, I explore, I learn, and I advance.

My advice for anyone looking to get into the industry?

Take advantage of as many work placements and industry speakers at API events as possible - so you can get a good understanding of the many areas you can specialise in.

How to connect with

Cassidy Chellis

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Abby Biles

"As we confront Australia's national skills shortage and the pressure to achieve Net Zero, the inclusion of women in the power industry becomes even more crucial. By leveraging diverse talents and perspectives, we can address these challenges. There are so many incredible women out there who's skills are needed in this space they just need the industry to support them in return."

Liana Lidden-Verney

"There is no gender monopoly on the skills needed in the industry. By having a workforce with diverse perspectives and experiences, we fuel innovation and innovation is exactly what this industry will be reliant on for generations to come."

Katrina Thomlinson

"There is value in every industry from diversity of thought and one way to bring diversity is employ more women in the workforce. Women bring different values, perspectives and approaches to solve the problems of today and into the future."

What can I do next?

No matter if you're at high-school or at university, we have great programs and resources to get you started on your journey towards power engineering!

High School Students

University Students

"The next 28 years will be the single most politically, technologically and financially exciting time in the history of the Australian power industry, as we progress toward a net-zero nation in 2050."

I want to be there to see that change. I want to be there to lead that change.