Gemma bound for Glasgow thanks to $12k scholarship
An Australian Industry Group apprentice is off to Glasgow after landing a $12,000 scholarship.
Electrotechnology apprentice Gemma McCormick, hosted to Aggreko, was announced as the winner of the GAN Australia International Study Tour Scholarship at the 2025 AEN & GAN Australia Mid-Year Conference Dinner in Melbourne.
The scholarship gives Australian apprentices the chance to broaden their skills and knowledge by gaining valuable work experience overseas.
Gemma, pictured above with Australian Industry Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre‘s Craig Hilton and Matt Muller and Apprenticeship Employment Network (AEN)‘s Gary Workman, said it was a life-changing opportunity, and she was deeply honoured.
“My proposed study tour will encompass Glasgow, Scotland — the home of Aggreko’s global headquarters,” she said.
“Being immersed in Aggreko’s international operations will give me first-hand experience with projects that are setting global standards in renewable integration, intelligent energy systems and scalable battery storage.”
Gemma plans to use the study tour to focus on:
- power generation and renewable energy – learning how large-scale energy systems are transitioning to greener, more resilient models;
- battery storage and hybrid energy solutions – understanding how cutting-edge technology is being used to balance energy demands, increase reliability and reduce environmental impact and
- smart grid and energy efficiency – seeing how data-driven systems help optimise energy use and improve sustainability outcomes.
“Ideally, I’ll embark on my tour at the of the year or early next year and spend meaningful time embedded with technical teams — shadowing engineers and learning from key decision-makers at Aggreko,” Gemma said.
“It’s a terrific opportunity to show how innovations at a global scale can be adapted and applied to Australian projects.
“Most importantly, it will help me contribute to Australia’s shift toward cleaner energy upon my return and inspire others — especially women and career changers — to see trades as a meaningful and future-focused pathway.”
Gemma, 38, transitioned into a trade later in life, having previously completed an NVQ Level 3 in Veterinary Nursing and a BSc (Hons) in Oceanography.
“My passion for problem-solving, sustainability and hands-on work led me to transition into the electrical industry,” she said.
“At Aggreko, I’ve been privileged to work on complex power generation systems and mentor new apprentices — a role I find incredibly rewarding.
“I’m also committed to encouraging more women into trades.
“I speak positively about my own experience to friends and peers and recently arranged work experience at Aggreko for a female friend who’s now considering an electrical apprenticeship.
“Earlier this year, I spoke at the Trade & Tech Fit career expo to inspire the next generation.
“I often remind future apprentices that while stepping into a technical, male-dominated industry can feel intimidating at first, confidence builds quickly through learning, support and persistence.
“I believe sharing real-world experiences can empower others to take the first step, and I’m committed to continuing this wherever I can.”
Judges told Gemma her application “stood out among a highly competitive selection of candidates” and said they were proud to recognise her achievements.
Australian Industry Group ATC’s Craig Hilton praised Aggreko for being “100% supportive” and said Gemma had been “a star from the start”.
“She’s absolutely set the world on fire,” Craig added.
“We would really like to thank Stuart Lang, Sofie Camili and the team at Aggreko for supporting Gemma’s application for the program and the broader apprenticeship program they have developed at Aggreko.
“Thanks also to Gary Workman and Nik Mavrommatis from GAN Australia and Apprenticeship Employment Network for providing the opportunity for apprentices to participate in the International Scholarship program.
“It is such a great opportunity for all involved.”
