A $20,000 scholarship programme is opening up exciting pathways for Central Queensland students - and will help launch the careers of 50 aspiring students.

Since 2008, the Rio Tinto Hail Creek Mine CQUniversity Scholarship Programme has annually offered scholarships to first-year science, engineering, business, information technology or health and medical students studying at the university’s Mackay campus. This year five scholarships worth $4000 each are available.

The programme has already helped to jump-start the careers of 50 students including trainee engineer Meagan Rose who has gone on to further success in the mining industry. Meagan said “My scholarship included an invaluable six-month placement at the Hail Creek Mine working in field maintenance. The placement provided me with industry experience and networking opportunities that are usually not available to undergraduate students. The scholarship definitely kick-started my career.”

Previous scholarship winners Meagan Rose and Stephen Brown.

Each scholarship is awarded over a two-year period and also includes a range of non-financial benefits including mentorship, work experience, networking opportunities and mine site visits.

CQUniversity Australia Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Scott Bowman said “We are delighted that so many students have had the opportunity to pursue their dreams through these scholarships.

“This programme is a testament to the strong relationship the university has established with our business and local communities. Rio Tinto Coal Australia’s continued support allows our students exciting industry experience right here on Central Queensland’s doorstep.”

Rio Tinto’s Hail Creek Mine and the CQUniversity Mackay campus have enjoyed a long-term partnership with the aim of building a diverse and dynamic workforce in Central Queensland.

Hail Creek Mine general manager Rowan Munro said “We are very pleased to support scholarships in a range of disciplines that will ultimately service the needs of our local community for many years to come. These scholarships provide students a unique opportunity to stand out from the crowd and a great introduction to the competitive world of work.” 

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