Brighte and Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) have today named the three recipients of the 2026 Brighte Pathways: Women in Sustainable Energy Scholarship, awarded to women studying Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician.
The scholarship is delivered with CIT as part of Brighte's role running the ACT Government's Sustainable Household Scheme, opening a pathway for more women into a trade where they remain a small share of the workforce. It brings to eight the number of scholarships Brighte has awarded to women at CIT since the program began in the ACT in 2022.
This year's recipients are:
• Ava Lawson, studying Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician while working in commercial maintenance at GLS Electrical Contractors, covering lighting maintenance, UPS and generator systems, and emergency lighting testing and repairs.
• Hannah Girvan, early in her Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician apprenticeship, working towards a move into renewable energy and energy-efficient systems as she progresses.
• Phoebe Crisp, studying Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician while working for a small solar and battery installation business in rural NSW, installing systems for households that don't always have a reliable grid connection.
“My boss and I install solar and battery systems in a small country town where a lot of people don't have a steady connection to the grid," Phoebe Crisp said. "When I help a family cut their power bill and I'm saving the planet at the same time, that's the whole reason I got into this trade. This scholarship can help fund my Solar Accreditation and my Working at Heights ticket, so I can do more of exactly that work.”
The Electrical Trades Union has forecast a shortfall of 42,500 electricians nationally by 2030 against what's needed to meet Australia's emissions targets, with women currently making up fewer than 4 per cent of the trade.
Brighte Founder and CEO Katherine McConnell said:
“We're trying to electrify millions of homes across this country, and there simply aren't enough electricians to get it done. Women have to be part of that solution because we need every hand on deck."
“As a female founder, I know the importance of gender diversity, and I'm so excited Brighte is able to support the aspirations of three young, ambitious women to make a difference.”
CIT acting Chief Executive Officer Mitch Pirie reiterated the importance of attracting women to the clean energy sector.
“We’re really pleased to partner with Brighte and the ACT Government to support women as they join the electrical trades,” Mr Pirie said. “As the ACT and the rest of the country make the switch to renewable energy, it’s vital that we continue to build strong industry partnerships to increase the number of qualified electricians.”
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Finance, Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA said:
“The Sustainable Household Scheme has helped more than 26,000 Canberra households cut their energy bills and their emissions.”
“To continue leading the nation on climate action, we need more workers like Ava, Hannah and Phoebe in the renewable energy workforce – and I thank Brighte for their partnership and commitment to women in the sector.”
ACT Minister for Women, Seniors and Veterans, Caitlin Tough MLA said:
“It’s fantastic to see women like Ava, Hannah and Phoebe taking up opportunities in a trade that will play such an important role in Canberra’s clean energy future."
“We need more women to see these careers as a real option for them. And scholarships like this help make that possible by backing women to gain the skills, qualifications and confidence to succeed in the industry.
“Congratulations to this year’s recipients. Their enthusiasm and commitment show exactly why investing in vocational education and training is so important for the ACT’s future.”
Brighte is the exclusive administrator of the ACT Government's $355m Sustainable Household Scheme, providing low interest finance for solar, batteries and other home energy upgrades across the territory.
CONTACT: Nigel Freitas | Head of Corporate Affairs | media@brighte.com.au
About Brighte
Brighte is Australia's leading home energy upgrade platform, connecting households with finance, accredited installers and partner programs for cleaner energy and lower bills. With 2,600+ accredited vendors nationwide, Brighte has settled more than $2.5 billion in finance for over 260,000 Australian households, and delivers energy upgrade loan programs for the NSW, ACT and Tasmanian governments, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, ARENA and the Commonwealth Bank. Founded in 2015, Brighte is purpose-built for home energy and accelerating the power shift to the home.
About the Scholarships
The Brighte Pathways: Women in Sustainable Energy Scholarship was established in the ACT in 2022, delivered by Brighte in partnership with CIT as part of Brighte's role administering the ACT Government's Sustainable Household Scheme. It is open to female CIT students, full or part-time, who are ACT residents studying towards an eligible qualification such as Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Electronics and Communications, or Automotive Electric Vehicle Technology. Priority is given to women entering the sector for the first time, though the scholarship remains open to women already working in it. Each scholarship is valued at $2,250 and goes towards CIT course fees and related costs such as Solar Accreditation, with recipients committing to act as ambassadors for CIT's renewable energy program during their studies.