Peel & Rockingham students among first to receive Zenith Energy’s Women in Engineering Technology Scholarship

Two Murdoch University students have been selected as the inaugural recipients of an engineering scholarship that is encouraging more young women into STEM. Tamitha Zwaanenburg, 21, of Mandurah, and Port Kennedy local Casey Slattery, 26, are balancing intensive renewable energy engineering studies while breaking barriers in a field where women make up just 11 per cent of the workforce. Both are among the first to receive a Zenith Energy’s Women in Engineering Technology Scholarship, which is intended to help more women pursue careers in renewable energy and power generation. The scholarship, established by independent power producer Zenith Energy, provides up to $20,000 in financial support, along with mentoring, a paid internship and the potential for full-time employment. Zenith Energy managing director Hamish Moffat said supporting students such as Ms Zwaanenburg and Ms Slattery was essential to the future of Australia’s renewable energy industry. “Putting engineering on the radar for more girls and young women, and then supporting their study and career goals, is fundamental in driving future innovation in our industry,” Mr Moffat said. “A more gender-diverse workforce goes beyond equity and equal opportunity; it brings fresh thinking and new ideas we need.” Ms Slattery said it was encouraging to see more women offered opportunities to explore the disciplines they might be more passionate about. Ms Zwaanenburg agreed and said having more women in engineering made them feel more confident and more part of the solution. “I want to be part of the energy transition, somewhere I can make a difference, but I also want to show other young women that they can be here too,” she said. “When different perspectives and experiences come together, that’s when the best ideas can emerge.” Mr Moffat said the two students were role models for the next generation of young women wanting to pursue STEM careers.