From Classroom to Power Plant: How 20 Female STEM Students Gained Real-World Engineering Experience on Our Solar Hybrid Power Plant Project
There are moments in every engineering project that stay with you long after the equipment has been commissioned and the plant begins generating electricity. For me, one of those moments has nothing to do with megawatts, transformers, or sophisticated control systems. Instead, it is the journey of twenty young female STEM students who became part of our utility-scale solar hybrid power plant project from its early construction phase through commissioning and into the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) phase.
As the Lead Resident Engineer on this project, I have had the privilege of watching these students evolve from curious observers into confident young professionals capable of understanding complex engineering systems, asking the right technical questions, and contributing meaningfully to daily plant operations. Their growth has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this project, and it serves as a powerful reminder that infrastructure projects should not only deliver electricity—they should also develop people.
A Learning Opportunity Beyond the Classroom
Engineering is often taught through textbooks, lectures, laboratory experiments, and computer simulations. While these methods provide an essential foundation, they cannot fully replicate the complexity of working on a live utility-scale power project.
When the twenty female STEM students first joined us during the construction phase, many had only encountered solar energy through academic courses. They understood concepts such as photovoltaic cells, electrical circuits, and renewable energy systems in theory, but seeing these concepts implemented on a large-scale project was an entirely different experience.
Instead of looking at diagrams in a classroom, they stood among thousands of solar panels stretching across the site. Instead of reading about transformers and switchgear in textbooks, they observed these critical components being installed, tested, and integrated into a functioning electrical network. The project became an open-air laboratory where engineering principles came alive.
Witnessing a Solar Power Plant Come to Life
One of the unique aspects of their experience was that they joined the project while construction was still underway. This allowed them to witness every stage of development rather than seeing only the finished facility.
They observed civil works, mounting structure installation, cable routing, inverter placement, transformer installation, battery energy storage integration, high-voltage network construction, and equipment testing. They learned that building a power plant is far more than assembling equipment—it requires careful planning, coordination among multiple disciplines, strict quality control, and unwavering attention to safety.
Watching different teams work together helped them appreciate that successful engineering projects depend on collaboration just as much as technical expertise.
Moving Beyond Observation
As construction progressed, the students gradually became more involved in practical engineering activities under supervision.
They learned how engineers conduct equipment inspections before energization. They observed insulation resistance testing, continuity testing, cable termination procedures, equipment alignment, and commissioning activities. They saw firsthand how every connection, measurement, and inspection contributes to the reliability of the entire plant.
These experiences transformed abstract engineering concepts into practical knowledge that no classroom alone could provide.
Perhaps most importantly, they learned that engineering is built on discipline and precision. Every checklist completed, every torque value verified, every test result documented, and every safety procedure followed has a purpose. Small mistakes can have significant consequences, and attention to detail is one of the defining characteristics of a successful engineer.
Entering the Operations and Maintenance Phase
For many engineering students, exposure ends once construction is complete. Our students had the unique opportunity to continue their journey into the Operations and Maintenance phase, where they discovered that commissioning a plant is only the beginning.
A solar hybrid power plant requires constant monitoring, inspection, analysis, and maintenance to ensure reliable operation.
They became familiar with the daily routines of an O&M team. They observed how engineers review operational data each morning, analyze SCADA dashboards, monitor inverter performance, evaluate battery conditions, inspect transformers, verify switchgear status, and respond to system alarms.
They quickly realized that generating electricity consistently is not simply a matter of installing solar panels. It requires continuous engineering oversight and proactive maintenance.
Learning the Language of Modern Power Plants
One of the most valuable aspects of their training was becoming familiar with technologies that are shaping the future of renewable energy.
They gained exposure to utility-scale solar photovoltaic systems, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), power conversion systems, inverters, transformers, high-voltage distribution networks, protection relays, switchgear, SCADA platforms, communication systems, and energy management strategies.
Initially, terms such as State of Charge, relay coordination, synchronization, inverter efficiency, insulation resistance, fault diagnostics, and preventive maintenance sounded highly technical. Over time, these concepts became part of their everyday discussions.
Watching them confidently interpret plant data and understand the interaction between different components demonstrated how quickly practical experience accelerates learning.
Developing Problem-Solving Skills
Engineering is fundamentally about solving problems, and every project presents unexpected challenges.
Throughout the O&M phase, the students observed how experienced engineers investigate equipment alarms, analyze operational trends, diagnose faults, and identify root causes instead of making assumptions.
They learned that restoring power is only one part of the job. Understanding why an issue occurred and implementing measures to prevent recurrence is what distinguishes effective engineering practice.
This mindset of analytical thinking and evidence-based decision-making is one of the most valuable skills they will carry into their future careers.
Safety Became a Daily Habit
Working around high-voltage electrical equipment reinforces the importance of safety in a way that no lecture ever can.
From their first day on site, the students participated in safety briefings, observed toolbox talks, and learned the importance of hazard identification, risk assessment, permit-to-work systems, lockout/tagout procedures, and the proper use of personal protective equipment.
Over time, safety became more than a rule to follow—it became part of their professional mindset.
They learned that successful engineers are not only technically competent but also deeply committed to protecting themselves, their colleagues, and the communities they serve.
Building Confidence Through Experience
One of the most remarkable transformations I observed had little to do with technical knowledge.
It was confidence.
When the students first arrived, many were understandably hesitant to ask questions or participate in technical discussions. Large construction sites and utility-scale electrical systems can be intimidating, especially for individuals experiencing them for the first time.
As weeks turned into months, their confidence grew.
They became more comfortable discussing engineering concepts, asking thoughtful questions, interpreting technical drawings, understanding operational procedures, and engaging with experienced professionals.
Seeing this transformation reinforced my belief that confidence is developed through opportunity. When students are trusted, encouraged, and exposed to meaningful work, they often exceed expectations.
Mentorship Matters
No engineering project succeeds without experienced professionals willing to share their knowledge.
Throughout the project, engineers, technicians, supervisors, and project managers invested time in explaining equipment, answering questions, demonstrating procedures, and guiding the students through real engineering challenges.
Mentorship shortened the distance between academic learning and professional practice.
It also helped the students appreciate that engineering is a profession built on continuous learning. Even experienced engineers continue studying new technologies, solving unfamiliar problems, and adapting to industry changes throughout their careers.
Inspiring Future Careers in Renewable Energy
The renewable energy industry is expanding rapidly across Africa and around the world.
As governments and organizations invest in cleaner energy systems, the demand for skilled engineers, technicians, project managers, and renewable energy specialists continues to grow.
By participating in every stage of this project, the students gained valuable experience that will distinguish them from many graduates entering the workforce.
More importantly, they discovered that renewable energy offers exciting opportunities to solve real-world challenges while contributing to sustainable development.
Several students expressed a stronger interest in pursuing careers in solar engineering, power systems, project management, and energy storage after completing the program. Experiences like these can shape career choices for years to come.
Why Female Representation in STEM Matters
Engineering benefits when diverse perspectives contribute to solving complex problems.
Encouraging more women to participate in STEM is not simply about improving representation—it is about expanding the pool of talent available to tackle global challenges such as energy access, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure.
The twenty students demonstrated that ability is defined by dedication, curiosity, and commitment—not by gender.
Their presence on the project challenged stereotypes, inspired younger students, and showed that women have an important role to play in designing, building, operating, and maintaining the energy systems of the future.
Lessons I Learned as a Lead Resident Engineer
Working with these students has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
Their curiosity reminded me to never stop asking questions. Their enthusiasm reinforced the importance of sharing knowledge with the next generation. Their determination confirmed that practical experience can transform classroom learning into professional competence.
This initiative also reminded me that the true success of an infrastructure project cannot be measured only by megawatts installed or energy generated. It should also be measured by the lives it changes, the careers it launches, and the future leaders it helps develop.
Looking Ahead
As our solar hybrid power plant continues operating and delivering reliable electricity, I know its legacy extends beyond clean energy production.
It also lives in the knowledge, confidence, and aspirations of twenty remarkable young women who experienced engineering not as a subject confined to lecture halls, but as a profession capable of transforming communities and improving lives.
I have no doubt that many of them will go on to become engineers, project managers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and leaders within the renewable energy sector. When that happens, they will carry with them not only technical knowledge but also the practical lessons learned from working on a live utility-scale power project.
For me, that may be one of the most meaningful achievements of the entire project.
