Scholarships worth up to $40,000 are on offer to tackle resources-sector skills shortages, which still persist despite the current economic climate.

CQUniversity Australia has partnered with the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) to invest in the scholarships to support the next generation of central Queensland engineers and environmental scientists.


QRC Chief Executive Michael Roche and CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman.Two scholarships are on offer for 2010, valued at $10,000 per year for the duration of a student's approved full-time engineering or science degree at CQUniversity.

In addition to financial assistance, the successful scholarship recipients will be invited to join the QRC Scholarship Program.

Through the program, students receive opportunities to attend industry conferences, networking and ambassadorial events; assistance with securing vacation work with a minerals or energy company; and opportunities to network with QRC's current scholarship students.

QRC Chief Executive Michael Roche said QRC recognised the importance of preparing for the future when it came to resource-sector professionals.

‘Despite the global recession, the skills shortage is far from resolved, and this will become increasingly evident as global demand for minerals and energy commodities rebound,' said Mr Roche.

‘It is in the interests of all Queenslanders to ensure that we are not caught short for the next upturn, while at the same time providing new and exciting career opportunities for young people.'

CQUniversity's Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Scott Bowman said the CQUniversity/QRC partnership was an excellent example of progressive engagement between the education sector and industry.

‘CQUniversity is uniquely placed to address the skills shortage in the resources sector,' said Professor Bowman.

‘By establishing mutually beneficial relationships with our industry partners, CQUniversity can provide additional support to our students, who often make many sacrifices to complete their studies,' he said.

‘Scholarships such as this have a direct impact on a student's ability to succeed at university and in turn contribute to regional development through the acquisition of the skills they achieve.

‘By working together with the community, industry, and business organisations we can help our students be what they want to be.

‘We are proud to partner with such a highly regarded organisation within the resources sector and we are grateful to QRC for supporting these scholarships and the encouragement they will provide to students.'

The QRC is a not-for-profit peak industry association representing the commercial developers of Queensland's minerals and energy resources and has been operating since 2003.

The scholarships are open to students who have completed year-12 or were in a gap year in 2009.

Applicants must have an Overall Position (OP) 5 or better and be full-time students entering their first year of a Bachelor of Engineering (electrical, mechanical, civil, mining) or a Bachelor of Environmental Science at CQUniversity in 2010.

For terms and conditions and to receive the application form, phone 13CQUni (13 27 86) and quote ‘QRC Scholarship'.

For more information on how you can support scholarships at CQUniversity contact Melissa Misztal, Office of Development and Graduate Relations, 07 4923 2786.