Students from MacKillop College explored career development opportunities through a visit to Essential Energy’s Port Macquarie depot on 11 February.

The visit coincided with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and provided a unique opportunity for the group of 14–16-year-old girls to explore the world of energy while fostering their interest in potential careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Through hands-on experiences like this, students saw how STEM is driving new technologies in the transition to more renewable energy generation, such as innovative developments in solar technology, electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

During their visit, the students toured the Zone Substation where they saw first-hand how electricity is transformed from high voltage to low voltage to make it ready for safe distribution to the homes and businesses across Essential Energy’s regional, rural and remote footprint.

Students also explored Essential Energy’s Innovation Hub where they learned how customer energy resources such as solar panels and batteries can interact with household appliances as part of a home energy management system.

MacKillop College students touring Essential Energy’s Port Macquarie depot.

Essential Energy’s Acting Chief People Officer, Shannon Dawson said these tours give students a first-hand look at the critical infrastructure and cutting-edge technology that powers our communities.

"Hosting students from MacKillop College provides them with an inside look at the exciting opportunities within the energy sector," Shannon said. "Our goal is to inspire these young women to consider careers in STEM and show them the vital role they can play in shaping the future of energy.

“Essential Energy is committed to inspiring the next generation of young women to pursue careers in STEM. We believe that experiences like these can spark a lifelong interest in these fields and help build a diverse and skilled workforce for the future.”

Following the tours, the students engaged with Essential Energy staff, asked questions and gained insights into the various career paths available within the energy sector.

MacKillop College Science teacher Rachel Clark said the visit was a valuable and eye-opening experience.

“It allows our students to see the practical applications of their studies and understand the vast opportunities available in the STEM fields. We are fortunate to be able to provide these types of real-world experiences in our hometown that can inspire our students to pursue their passions in science, technology, engineering and mathematics," Rachel said.