"We need enthusiastic women to support the move for clean, safe and sustainable energy."
Charlotte Thorpe
Mechanical Engineer in the Power and Generation team
WHO ARE THEY: Hi, My name is Charlotte, and in mid-2021, I graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering.
During University, I Interned WoodGroup PLC, a large oil and gas consultancy based in Britain with offices in Australia. Once I graduated, I moved to the Future Energy and Generations team, where we help deliver decarbonisation strategies.
In 2022 I eventually got offered a Job at Aurecon in the Power and Generation team. The works focus on Renewable Energy and Decarbonisation.
Although I am young, I have lots of career goals. I want to be an outspoken voice for the Energy transition. And believe together; we can fundamentally change our energy industries and society as a whole. Even though I'm still relatively new to my field, I believe I will be able to impact the future positively.
KEY STRENGTHS: passion, problem-solving skills, international experience, and vision for the future
WHY CHOOSE THIS DEGREE?
My Journey
Where it all started for me
It's a bit of a funny story. I remember watching "The Martian" in grade 9 and being struck with the desire to go to space. I've always been fascinated with exploring new ideas and concepts and figuring out how they all interrelate. In addition, I am motivated by the idea of making a difference for future generations. So, I researched what type of degrees astronauts had and discovered that many were mechanical engineers. Even in grade 9, I knew that was my path, which was one of the main reasons I chose to pursue that field.
Over time, my aspirations shifted from wanting to become an astronaut to focusing on renewable energy and decarbonisation. Space is incredibly fascinating, but I realised that we only have planet Earth right now. It's up to us to take care of it and ensure that future generations can enjoy it just as we have. That's why I'm passionate about making a difference through sustainable energy practices, and I'm excited to see where this career path takes me.
What did I end up studying?
Studied at University of Queensland
Entering the industry
We are on the cusp of the Great Energy Transition or Electrification. We are waking up to the impacts of climate change and realizing that the status quo needs updating. This transition will enable us to shift towards more sustainable energy sources and reduce our reliance on large petrol governments.
In this transition, I hope we will move towards a more equitable future. While there may be disparities in the benefits and burdens of the energy transition, we can work towards a more fair and just distribution of these impacts and technologies. For example, we can invest in renewable energy infrastructure in disadvantaged communities and create job opportunities to move workers into the clean energy sector. We will also be forced to improve our energy efficiency and ensure our products are not made with forced labour.
Overall, I am excited to see how the power industry will continue to evolve and adapt to meet future demands. There is great potential for innovation and progress in this field, and I am eager to participate.
.png)
My previous work experience
My work placement experience
What I'm doing now
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
Charlotte Thorpe
View more profiles
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."
Read more
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!
Follow us to stay updated: