Supporting the next generation of engineers to power energy transition

Now in its fourth year, the Transgrid Engineering Scholarship Fund is supporting 100 Charles Sturt University engineering students over four years, with each recipient awarded $20,000 to ease the cost of study and stay connected to local support and their communities.

The 2026 cohort come from communities across the NSW Riverina, Central West, Mid North Coast, Central Tablelands and New England regions, which are playing a critical role in the energy transition.

“These scholarship are about investing in people – supporting talented students from regional communities to follow their aspirations and build careers close to home,” Transgrid’s Executive General Manager of Major Projects Gordon Taylor said.

“Many of these students are growing up and living in the very communities that are shaping Australia’s energy transition. These future engineers bring local knowledge, lived experience and strong connection to place – qualities that will shape how our future clean energy system is designed, delivered and maintained.

“This is about backing local capability, ensuring regional communities play a leading role in our country’s energy future.

“Transgrid is proud to support the 2026 scholarship recipients and looks forward to the positive impact they will have during their studies and across the energy sector.”

Charles Sturt University Vice Chancellor Renée Leon Vice Chancellor Renée Leon: said Transgrid’s support has boosted not only the confidence of the recipients but sent a broader message from the wider industry.

“When these scholarships were launched in 2022, they were the largest ever philanthropic gift from a corporate donor to Charles Sturt University. Since then, 79 Charles Sturt engineering students have been supported. 

“We are so thankful for this partnership with Transgrid which provides our students with financial assistance, paid cadet placements and real industry experience.

“Many of these scholarship students are the future engineers regional Australia needs to shore up our resources in energy, transport, mining, agriculture and environmental protection.”

“Thanks to Transgrid’s continued support, we’re ensuring local talent can stay local, where the leaders in our clean energy transition are required the most.”

Scholarship recipient Peter Dawes, from Raglan near Bathurst, said Transgrid’s support will help him to focus on his studies and reach his full potential.

“I have spent much of my working life in hands‑on roles where problem‑solving and personal responsibility really mattered. Studying engineering is a deliberate decision to consolidate that experience with formal knowledge, so I can work on real systems and real problems at a higher level,” Mr Dawes said.

“Support through this scholarship removes financial pressure and allows me to focus on doing the work properly and finishing what I start.” 

Zachary Green‑Honeyman, from Dubbo, said the Transgrid scholarship will help to get his education and career back on track.

“I was forced to leave home at sixteen and enter full‑time work just to get by, which delayed my education for many years. Those experiences taught me resilience, discipline, and a strong work ethic. Studying engineering now is an opportunity to change the trajectory of my life and build a stable future.

“This scholarship will ease financial pressure and allow me to focus on my studies, so I can qualify as an engineer and contribute to improving infrastructure and quality of life in my local community.”

Transgrid Engineering Scholarship Fund 2026 recipients

Media enquiries: Levi Joule – 0481 112 074