Mid West industry has contributed $8,000 towards the training of 16 Durack Institute of Technology students who have been awarded scholarships for full time study in 2011.
The scholarships were awarded through two programs:
- Community Scholarship Program - sponsored by local industry and community partners for students enrolled in specific courses across a range of industry areas; and
- Rio Tinto Aboriginal Scholarship Program - for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in any course linked to employment outcomes.
The scholarships valued at $500 each are awarded competitively and help recipients meet the cost of their course fees, course materials or accommodation on campus at Pepperell Village.
Since 2008, 52 students have been assisted through the Community Scholarship Program representing a total investment of $26,000. Now in its second year, the Rio Tinto Aboriginal Scholarship Program awards up to 10 scholarships each year with an annual commitment of $5,000.
The 2011 Community Scholarship recipients are:
- Bincy Sunny Paul - Dalgleish Catering Certificate IV in Hospitality (Supervision)
- Sharleena East - Department for Child Protection Diploma of Youth Work
- John Councillor - GHD Certificate IV in Environmental Science (Management)
- Paul MacLachlan - Hon. Brian Ellis MLC Certificate IV in Information Technology
- Gemma Holdway - Market Creations Diploma of Information Technology (Multimedia)
- Joseph (Kong) Zee Chiun - Mid Coast Partners Diploma of Accounting
- Dao Trinh - Mid West Development Commission Certificate III in Laboratory Skills
- Sharni-Rae Ellis - Mr. Grant Woodhams MLA Diploma of Enrolled Nursing
- Julia Sercombe - Mr. Ian Blayney MLA Certificate IV in Conservation & Land Management
- Michelle Stewart - St John of God Hospital Geraldton Certificate IV in Health Science Foundations
- Tamara Gregorini - STAY Diploma of Community Services Work
Five Rio Tinto Aboriginal scholarships were awarded for Semester 1 as follows:
- Stacey Bonney – Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled/Division 2)
- Kasey Burns – Diploma of Seafood Industry (Aquaculture)
- Nicole Donaldson – Certificate I in General Education for Adults
- Deborah Green – Certificate I in New Opportunities for Women (NOW)
- Guy Whitby – Certificate I in Automotive Vehicle Servicing (Pre-Apprentice)
Mr Bert Beevers, Managing Director of Durack said the benefits to the students are two-fold.
“Our students can benefit both financially and by forming relationships, in many cases with potential future employers, by completing their qualifications locally. And through the support and involvement of local organisations the community also benefits by helping to ensure skilled workers train and remain in our region,” said Mr Beevers.
Two 2010 recipients have gone on to secure employment with their sponsors including environmental science graduate Amanda Melling who now works for GHD and IT graduate Samuel McLachlan who is now a web developer with Market Creations. Other recipients have used their training as a pathway to tertiary studies.
ENDS.
For further information
Contact Jen Hanrahan, Durack Insitute of Technology Marketing Coordinator on 9956 2749.