The Durack Institute of Technology is excited to announce a new partnership with Rio Tinto in the form of the ‘Rio Tinto Aboriginal Scholarship Program.’ A joint initiative between Rio Tinto and the Durack Institute of Technology, the scholarship program is designed to engage Aboriginal people in training programs that are directly linked to employment outcomes.
The Rio Tinto Aboriginal Scholarship Program is on offer to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people studying at the Durack Institute of Technology in 2010 via the face to face study mode.
Durack Institute of Technology Managing Director, Mr Bert Beevers said, “We have ten scholarships of $500 on offer throughout the year, one award of $500 for the Gascoyne Student of the Year and another valued at $500 for the Aboriginal Apprentice Support Fund. This is a fantastic initiative and I encourage any Aboriginal person who is seeking to improve their employment prospects to apply.”
Greater Brockman Operations, General Manager, Mr Michael Gollschewski said that Rio Tinto is strongly committed to providing employment opportunities to Aboriginal people, and to be educated at the Durack Institute of Technology is the first step.
“By supporting this program and other initiatives in the community, we hope to contribute to creating more candidates for trade and professional roles with Rio Tinto whilst adding value and benefits to Aboriginal people and their communities,” Michael said.
Local Rio Tinto representative, Sandy McEwan, will be on the selection panel for the scholarships and said that developing Aboriginal talent is a high priority.
“We already have many Aboriginal people flying into our mine sites from Geraldton, Carnarvon and Meekatharra and we look forward to seeing DIT graduates seeking careers with Rio Tinto in the future,” said Sandy
“With employment opportunities growing in Geraldton and the surrounding Mid West, now would be an opportune time to increase your qualifications and career prospects.” Bert added.
The Durack Institute of Technology is now calling for applications - scholarship criteria and application form can be found on the website www.durack.edu.au and first round applications close at 5pm on the 11th of March 2010.
The scholarship can be used for course fees, learning materials or student accommodation at Pepperall Village.
Applicants will be judged by a selection panel and first round winners will be acknowledged at the graduation ceremonies in Geraldton on 19 March and Carnarvon on 23 March.