Student excited by QAL scholarship's vacation work
Published on 11 August, 2009
A CQUniversity student's ambition of a career in mechanical engineering became one step closer this week with the announcement of the annual Queensland Alumina Limited/CQUniversity Scholarship.
Former Tannum Sands State High school student Joshua Ward was awarded the scholarship, which provides $5000 per annum to defray costs while undertaking a Bachelor of Engineering (Co-op) degree.
QAL Managing Director Phil Campbell said the scholarship was established to encourage local students to stay and complete their studies in the region.
"In its 34th year, the scholarship continues to foster local talent and invest in the region. By keeping our students local, we are not only supporting the University, but also securing a skilled workforce for the future."
"To complement the studies of our scholarship recipients, we invite them to participate in our vacation employment and work experience programs, so that at the end of their degree they have gained first-hand experience with the opportunities available to them," Mr Campbell said.
Josh said he was excited to receive the scholarship, and particularly the offer for vacation work experience as it would go a long way to helping him achieve his career aspirations.
"I have been keen to study engineering at University for the past 2 years, since doing work experience in that field. Having the scholarship behind me means I can focus on my study without having to worry so much about the fees each semester.
"It is also great to be able to live in Gladstone and study my chosen career. I have a number of friends studying at the university, and we have access to a great deal of expertise in our field," Josh said.
CQUniversity Gladstone Head of Campus, Dr Pierre Viljoen said the annual scholarship program is highly sought after and an important part of both organisations' commitment to local education, the development of youth and the future of Gladstone.
"The selection process is based on academic excellence, community involvement, overall personal presentation and commitment to the successful completion of studies as a full time student.
"Josh has gained more than a scholarship; he has also inherited a piece of QAL and CQUniversity history which is something to be quite proud of. We hope to see Joshua's career ambitions come to fruition and, as with all of our students, are proud to be part of the journey," Dr Viljoen said.
The QAL/CQUniversity scholarship was established in 1975 and is open to full-time first year CQUniversity students residing in the Gladstone Regional Council and studying applied science (including environmental studies), business, engineering or information technology.