Removing barriers for women in the renewable energy industry

Published: 03 Jul 2026

A record number of Canberra women were cheered on by family and friends at CIT Woden last Wednesday as they were awarded with the 2026 Global Power Generation (GPG) Scholarships for Women in Renewables.

For recipients like Electrotechnology Electrician apprentice Lily Veleba, the support means more than financial assistance - it means greater confidence, independence, and opportunities. The scholarship, which is provided by GPG, supports opportunities for women to undertake training in renewable energy and allied fields at CIT for exciting careers in the industry.

CIT Chief Industry and Innovation Officer Georgia von Guttner said the scholarships are a great initiative to support local women as the demand for skilled workers in the renewable energy industry continues to grow.

“We’re proud to partner with Global Power Generation to break down barriers and ensure women in the Canberra region experience industry-leading education and mentoring,” Ms von Guttner said. “As Australia continues to take strong climate change action to reach net zero emissions, the demand for skilled workers will continue to grow significantly. “

Electrotechnology Electrician apprentice Lily Veleba said the scholarship will help her purchase her own tools as she approaches the final stages of her apprenticeship.

“The scholarship lowers the pressure, I can focus on work and my studies, and it means that when I'm qualified, I'll have everything I need,” Lily said. “It also helps me take on more responsibility at work when I’ve got my own tools. I’m not having to ask other people for theirs.”

Samira Baqatada is set to complete her Certificate IV of Cyber Security and was cheered on by her daughter as she was awarded with her scholarship.

“My daughter came to support me and that was significant,” Samira said. “Before study, I didn't know that I will be interested in cybersecurity, but now I am. The study itself has been an eye-opener to the opportunities in every sector, because cybersecurity touches all industries.

“To be part of that transition, whether it's in energy or in any other discipline, I think it's a privilege and I'm sure it's going to be rewarding.”

2026 GPG Women in Renewables Scholarship Recipients

Abigail Mohe - Certificate IV in Information Technology

Alexandria Tolano - Certificate IV in IT (Networking stream)

Amelia Payne - Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician

Brooke Jones - Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician

Emma Angstmann - Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician

Hayley O’Grady - Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Hely Waty - Diploma in Project Management

Laura Crocker - Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician

Lily Veleba - Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician

Pei Lim - Certificate IV Information Technology

Sabohat Jalilova - Certificate IV in Cyber Security

Samira Baqatada - Certificate IV in Cyber Security

Sartaz Parveen - Certificate IV in Cyber Security

The GPG Women in Renewables scholarship offers scholarships every year for women who enrol or wish to enrol in eligible CIT courses related to the renewables industry.

To learn more about the scholarship, visit: https://cit.edu.au/study/course-fees-and-assistance/scholarships/view/gpg-women-in-renewables-scholarship