News

SNOWY HYDRO JOINS FORCES WITH ATSE TO BOOST STEM GENDER DIVERSITY

21/08/2024

Women and non-binary people pursuing dreams of a STEM career will have an opportunity for game-changing support, thanks to a partnership between Snowy Hydro and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE).

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the iconic Snowy Scheme, Snowy Hydro will offer financial scholarships with wrap-around assistance to two undergraduates. The two STEM scholars will be able to study STEM disciplines at the university of their choice, as well as the opportunity for mentoring and professional development designed to help them find a job and thrive.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said the scholarships were about providing additional support to people who might otherwise experience barriers to a career in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

“The Snowy Scheme is synonymous with scientific and engineering excellence and that’s continuing with the development of the Snowy 2.0 mega project,” Mr Barnes said. 

“Providing this support to kick-start two STEM careers is a meaningful way to mark 75 years of the Snowy Scheme and make an important contribution to the skills that will help make the next 75 years possible.

“There’s also an important diversity consideration here. The energy sector is typically male dominated and there’s so much that can be gained by women and gender-diverse people choosing STEM disciplines.

“I’d love to see the people who are awarded the Snowy Hydro 75th Anniversary scholarships contributing to Australia’s transition to renewable energy.”

The scholarships will be offered through ATSE’s Elevate program. Snowy Hydro will fund two scholars for three years, with each scholar receiving $30,000 over the period. This scholarships will not only support the scholars financially but also grant them access to the vast ATSE network, including mentoring, professional development workshops, and 24-hour psychosocial wellbeing support.

Mr Barnes said one of the reasons Snowy Hydro is partnering with ATSE is because a significant number of Elevate program scholarship recipients are from regional areas.

“When you live in a regional area, there are far more barriers to studying, particularly, STEM, which often require technology and resources that are only available in cities. Relocating to study creates an additional financial burden,” Mr Barnes said.

“Knowing the ATSE and the Elevate program have a substantial regional footprint, and that our scholarships might help break down those barriers, is important to us.”

“Boosting gender diversity in STEM is not just a matter of equity but a critical driver for innovation and sustainability.” said ATSE CEO, Kylie Walker.

“Women bring diverse perspectives and approaches to problem-solving, which are essential in tackling the complex challenges of transitioning to renewable energy and achieving net-zero targets.

“Partnerships with industry leaders like Snowy Hydro are vital to this mission, as they provide the career opportunities and real-world expertise needed to empower women and gender-diverse people in STEM and drive meaningful progress in these fields.”

Snowy Hydro and ATSE are committed to creating a lasting impact by supporting the next generation of STEM professionals, particularly those from underrepresented groups. This partnership highlights how industry collaboration can drive meaningful change and contribute to a diverse and inclusive STEM industry. 

Applications for the Elevate program have been open since May and will close 30 August. Assessment will take place in September and October. The announcement of the selected scholars will occur in November, with scholarships commencing in January 2025.

For more information about the Elevate program, visit https://www.atse.org.au/elevate.

About ATSE

ATSE is an independent, non-government organisation and charity, ATSE is led by a diverse Fellowship of over 900 of Australia’s leading applied scientists, technologists and engineers.

Their Elevate program provides scholarships, networking opportunities, mentoring, and wellbeing support to scholars during their university studies. The Elevate program will award up to 500 undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to women and non-binary people in STEM. 

The Elevate scholarships program provides:

• Financial support
• Access to events and networking 
• Professional development 
• Mentoring 
• Wellbeing support during scholars’ university studies

About Snowy Hydro 

Snowy Hydro is a dynamic integrated energy company at the forefront of the renewable energy transition and decarbonisation of the NEM. In addition to its commitment to clean energy, Snowy Hydro is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, particularly in supporting opportunities for women in STEM. Through its Snowy STEM Academy, development and mentorship programs, Rise Women and a focus on creating an inclusive workplace culture, Snowy Hydro is dedicated to fostering the next generation of female leaders who will shape the future of renewable energy and contribute to the ongoing transformation of the NEM.

News

SNOWY HYDRO GOES NATIONAL WITH POWERING UP THE FUTURE COMPETITION

08/07/2024

Snowy Hydro’s annual science competition is going Australia-wide! For the first time, children across the nation can power up the future with their renewable energy ideas for the chance to win prizes valued up to $3,000.

The inaugural Powering up the Future Competition will continue Snowy Hydro’s commitment to fostering learning opportunities through the successful Snowy STEM Academy and its focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The Powering up the Future Competition asks students throughout Australia to be a Snowy Hydro ‘futurist’ and present a creative, innovative idea or invention that offers a solution to reduce emissions in a renewable world. The competition is open now and closes at midnight on Sunday 11 August 2024. 

With a growing opportunity and demand for emerging careers, Snowy Hydro Group Executive Safety, People, Community and Services Gabrielle Curtin, said it was important to engage the workforce of tomorrow in STEM from a young age. 

“Today’s children need to be prepared for the future. This competition is a great way to inspire young people to take a deep dive into innovative ideas and develop problem-solving skills that will transform the energy industry for generations to come,” Gabrielle said.

“It will help students learn more about renewables and energy emissions and hopefully spark their curiosity in STEM pathways.”

The Powering up the Future Competition calls on students in years 3 to 12 to investigate what a renewable energy future might look like and provide a solution for reducing energy emissions.

There are some fantastic prizes to be won, including overnight experiences at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, exploring Taronga’s Institute of Science and Learning immersive classrooms, STEM subscriptions and gift cards.

Entries for the Powering up the Future competition must be submitted on the official competition webpage. There are two age categories: Junior (aged 8 to 12 years old) and Senior (aged 13 to 18 years old). 

An independent panel of esteemed and diverse community representatives will determine Judge’s Choice winners. In addition, members of the public will be able to vote online for their favourite entry for the Community Choice in each age category.

The winning entries will be displayed on the Snowy Hydro website and showcased at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in Cooma. 

For more details about the Powering up the Future Competition, including full terms and conditions, visit https://www.snowyhydro.com.au/powering-up-the-future-competition/ or email the Snowy Hydro education team at snowystemacademy@snowyhydro.com.au 

News

SNOWY HYDRO BOOSTS STEM EDUCATION IN 27 LOCAL SCHOOLS

04/06/2024

In 2024, thousands of students across 27 schools will benefit from Snowy Hydro’s Local School STEM Fund program. In its second year, the targeted funding is providing a substantial $220,265.83 across 18 locations in the Snowy Mountains and Cessnock regions of New South Wales.

As part of Snowy Hydro’s ongoing commitment to education, we are supporting a diverse range of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) initiatives in local schools.

Successful funding applications in 2024 include STEM-focused projects such as micro-bit and Smart City Kits, coding kits, a Solar Buddies program, plastics recycling initiatives, STEM excursions, VEX robotics clubs, equipment for race car design, STEM camps and excellence programs.

This year, responding to the resounding success of the 2023 program, Snowy Hydro is extending its STEM funding support to include schools in the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA) near where our Hunter Power Project is located. 

With this expansion, we now provide opportunities to schools within Towong, Snowy Valleys, Snowy Monaro, and Cessnock LGAs. This broader reach recognises Snowy Hydro’s commitment to fostering a strong STEM education environment, which is essential for preparing students for future careers in technology, engineering, and renewable energy.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said the Local School STEM Fund provides opportunities for students to engage in real-world problem-solving that may otherwise not be possible in regional schools.

“We know the more opportunities we can provide for students to experience the hands-on application and diversity of STEM, the more they will appreciate the value of studying the relevant subjects,” Dennis said. “We want to encourage young people to pursue rewarding and fulfilling STEM careers.”

While only in its second year, the Local School STEM Fund has already encouraged collaboration among eligible schools, expanded individual initiatives, and developed local competitions. Snowy Hydro looks forward to fostering further growth and engagement in STEM-related fields, ensuring students have the skills and experiences necessary for their future success.

The next round of the Local School STEM Fund will open in early 2025.

For more information about Snowy Hydro’s Local School STEM Fund, visit https://www.snowyhydro.com.au/local-school-stem-fund/

Click here to read the Snowy Hydro’s Local School STEM Fund 2024 report.

News

SNOWY HYDRO SHOWCASES STEM CAREERS FOR LOCAL STUDENTS IN TALBINGO

09/04/2024

More than 60 local year 10 students have participated in a Snowy Hydro careers day at Talbingo and gained insights into exciting career opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). 

Students and teachers from Tumut High School and McAuley College took part in the Snowy STEM Academy initiative, working with engineers, climate scientists, and tradespeople to explore careers in the renewable energy sector.

The group went behind the scenes for an in-depth look at Australia’s largest pumped-hydro facility, Tumut 3 Power Station, and enjoyed a career panel with a question and answer discussion and hands-on activities.

Students also attended elective presentations based on their STEM interests and chose from drone technology, environmental science, trade skills, and engineering options. They even had the opportunity to operate a mini power station.

This STEM-focused initiative reinforced Snowy Hydro’s commitment to supporting regional education and developing the future workforce. 

It showcased the diverse range of careers available in STEM fields, providing real-life tangible outcomes that will help students make informed decisions about their future education and career paths.

“We were excited to open our doors to local students and give them a glimpse into the world of renewable energy and STEM careers,” said Snowy Hydro Area Manager Peter Symons. 

“Snowy Hydro is committed to supporting education and fostering the next generation of STEM professionals and tradespeople.”

Inviting students to experience a working power station aligns with the broader initiatives of the Snowy STEM Academy, which aims to bridge the gap between education and industry, preparing students for future opportunities in the renewable energy sector.Snowy Hydro encourages interested teachers and parents to find out more about the Snowy STEM Academy, by visiting www.snowyhydro.com.au/snowystemacademy.

News

SNOWY HYDRO STEM FUNDING FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS NOW AVAILABLE

19/02/2024

Following the success of the inaugural Snowy Hydro Local School STEM Fund in 2023, the funding program focused on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) excursions will run again in 2024. Snowy Hydro will extend the opportunity for Snowy Mountains and Cessnock schools to apply for grants of up to $10,000.

Recognising that today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce, Snowy Hydro plays a pivotal role in supporting teachers and students by aligning educational programs with industry expertise.

Last year these grants provided thousands of students and 18 Snowy Mountains schools – primary and secondary, both public and private – hands-on interactive STEM experiences.

The program is part of Snowy Hydro’s ongoing commitment to local regions, which already supports various STEM initiatives, including a First Nations Science Camp, the development of a robotics club, 3D printers, an aquaponics project and the enhancement of school resources for the next generation of innovators.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said: “Snowy is dedicated to fostering education opportunities in and out of the classroom and assisting in developing career pathways.
“The funding is just one example of Snowy Hydro’s ongoing commitment to education and development in support of STEM, particularly among our local communities.”

The funding program complements Snowy’s successful Snowy STEM Academy, the annual Science of the Snowy Scheme Competition, and the unique tailored programs for local schools.

Applications for the 2024 Local School STEM fund open Monday 26 February and must be lodged by Monday 25 March.

Local schools can apply for funding of up to $10,000 to support science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) related excursions, student sponsorship, equipment, and camps.

All applications must be completed online via the Snowy Hydro website.

For more information about Snowy Hydro’s Local School STEM fund and to apply visit: https://www.snowyhydro.com.au/local-school-stem-fund-2024/

News

LOCAL TRAINEES HIT THE GROUND RUNNING

29/01/2021

Snowy Hydro is buzzing with fresh energy and new faces after welcoming the 2021 trainee intake.

As part of its commitment to providing employment opportunities, skills training and insight into STEM careers for local young people, Snowy Hydro annually offers 12-month, paid traineeships to school-leavers from the local area.

This year, 12 trainees have taken up positions in a range of business areas including information technology, energy generation and asset management, communications, human resources, finance, community relations, Snowy 2.0 and procurement. Ten are based in Cooma and two of the trainees are regionally based, with one in Khancoban and the other in Talbingo.

Snowy Hydro CEO Paul Broad said the highly-successful traineeship program was in its 30th year.

“Snowy has been giving local young people a start in their careers since 1991 – literally hundreds of trainees have gained on-the-job experience with us while combining business administration studies at TAFE. 

“We’re very proud to support local people and our communities and also to offer opportunities that focus on training and development. This helps make sure our company has the people and skills that are needed now and into the future,” Mr Broad said.

Some of the new trainees are second and third generation Snowy employees. Talbingo-based trainee Aylah Rice’s grandfather was a diesel mechanic who helped build the Snowy Scheme. A 2020 trainee, Ian Grant, has just embarked on an electrical apprenticeship with Snowy Hydro based at Talbingo, while his father Martin is a Snowy Hydro Maintenance Manager at Jindabyne.

A number of the trainees are planning to go to university to study engineering. The Snowy Hydro traineeship provides participants with the opportunity to apply for a cadetship, in which the company sponsors students to study at the University of Wollongong.

“We see the traineeship program as a valuable pathway young people can take as they embark on their working lives and we encourage them to explore study opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM),” Mr Broad said.

“There are so many talented young people living in this region and we see them as our next generation of Snowy Hydro engineers, scientists, and information technology experts.”

Applications for 2022 Snowy Hydro traineeships will open in Term 2 – keep an eye on the Snowy Hydro website and social media channels for more information.