Meet Patrick Boys – licensed electrician, former TAFE Gippsland apprentice and now Global Footprints Scholar.
Fresh off the back of his electrical apprenticeship, Patrick is already powering up for a bright future in renewable energy. Having recently been awarded a Global Footprints Scholarship to pursue his passion for sustainable power, he plans to use the $9,000 grant to learn more about offshore wind — offshore!
“I would like to visit leading projects in the UK and Denmark to understand the barriers and difficulties encountered within the operation of a wind farm, especially around public perception and acceptance of the technology, as turbines are often a very visible aspect of the landscape,” Patrick explained.
“I hope to gain inside knowledge on the large-scale offshore wind farms as Australia is gearing up to build huge offshore wind farms in Victoria.”
Patrick completed his apprenticeship in his hometown of Korumburra while studying a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician at TAFE Gippsland’s Morwell campus. With the Latrobe Valley already home to significant wind generation projects, Patrick said choosing a career path in renewables was an easy decision.
“Learning in countries with similar topography will develop my understanding of how projects take shape and what ensures their success,” he said.
“Technology, especially in the area of sustainable energy, is constantly evolving and the key is to make new technologies accessible to all.”
While Patrick’s next stop is overseas to expand his expertise, his long-term plans remain open — but firmly grounded in sustainability.
“I really enjoy my current job, but I could also see myself working in the wind industry at some point,” Patrick said.
“As an electrician, I have a responsibility to develop my expertise in sustainable energy and to contribute to ensuring the future of our planet.”