July 23 2009
International construction and infrastructure company Laing O’Rourke has announced it will offer two special industry scholarships at the University of Newcastle in 2010 as part of its ongoing commitment to the Hunter region.
The scholarships would only be open to students from Hunter Valley Region high schools (Newcastle through to Scone and surrounds), and would support those looking for a career in major infrastructure projects.
Laing O’Rourke’s Commercial Director David Woodcock said the scholarships were part of the University of Newcastle Scholarship Scheme (UNISS) which combines quality education with meaningful industry experience.
The 2010 Laing O’Rourke scholarships will:
- Be open to both a Civil Engineering and a Construction Management student;
- Provide support to the total value of $44,000 tax free for the duration of the four-year degree;
- Include three 10 week industry placements and a final year project internship with Laing O’Rourke, as part of the UNISS program; and
- Be open exclusively to university students who were from Hunter Valley region high schools, and were planning to enrol full-time in either civil engineering or construction management at Newcastle University.
“As an organisation committed to the ongoing learning and development of its people, we are proud to support the University of Newcastle’s program,” Mr Woodcock said.
“UNISS blends academic excellence with practical engineering and construction experience – turning out graduates who will be highly valued in the industry.”
“We’re also strong advocates of supporting skills and training within the communities in which we operate, and want to encourage more high school leavers to enter our vibrant and rewarding industry.
“Laing O’Rourke operates offices in Newcastle and throughout the Hunter Valley. We’ll open a new base of operations in Kurri Kurri in early 2010.
“We’re engaged in upgrading coal lines throughout the Hunter for ARTC, building the third coal loader for NCIG, providing minerals handling solutions for mines in the region, and we’re actively involved in the development of dozens of other Hunter-based projects.”
UNISS Manager Angela Samuels welcomed both Laing O’Rourke’s participation in the scheme and its commitment to the region.
“UNISS is all about partnership and commitment,” Ms Samuels said. “Our aim is to provide an opportunity for scholars to gain valuable industry experience that will assist their development as outstanding professionals.
“We’re delighted that a company such as Laing O’Rourke is partnering with us to offer the Hunter Valley Region’s youth that very opportunity.”
Further information about the scholarships can be accessed from the University of Newcastle website (www.newcastle.edu.au/uniss) and must be lodged with the UNISS office by Friday August 28.
