The Clean Energy Council (CEC) has opened applications for the fourth annual Women in Renewables Scholarship, a program which aims to strengthen gender diversity at the leadership level across the Australian renewable industry.
CEC Chief Executive Kane Thornton said the scholarships offer talented women in the industry the opportunity to complete the Foundations of Directorship course from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, along with the opportunity to be paired with a leading industry mentor.
“It’s no secret that diverse organisations see better returns, and there is ample evidence that gender diversity at the board level creates stronger governance,” Mr Thornton said, “the scholarship program is designed to build a more diverse group of experienced company directors over the long term, through providing female leaders with access to a wealth of information and support. We believe the relationships they can develop through this program will give them the skills and professional confidence needed for continued growth and success.”
Mr Thornton said inspiration for the program came in 2015 when there was only a single female applicant for multiple positions on the Clean Energy Council Board, in comparison to nine male nominees.
The Women in Renewables initiative has five core aims:
- To showcase the contribution of women in renewables
- To provide professional development opportunities and advice for women in renewables
- To foster a sense of valued community, and wider industry pride in women in renewables
- To provide opportunities for informal self-guided development and support for women in renewables.
- To foster positive change in the renewables industry so it can be more inclusive and supportive of women
Last year’s scholarship was awarded to Vanessa Ratard, a remote area specialist working at Ekistica to develop renewable energy projects. Ms Ratard said the scholarship opened new doors for her and broadened the range of opportunities available.
“It can be tough working in outback regions to stay in touch with what’s happening in the capital cities, and I’ve been grateful for the support and the networks provided by the scholarship I was awarded by the Clean Energy Council in 2017. It has been a great honour and an opportunity to learn new skills and meet some really inspiring professionals across the industry,” she said.
Applications for the 2018 scholarship close 11.59pm AEDT, 14 October 2018, with successful applicant announcements made on 30 November 2018. The scholarship is open to nominees from Clean Energy Council member companies.
More information on the initiative and submission details can be found here.
