The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and CQUniversity this morning announced a pair of scholarships worth up to $40,000, aimed at solving the skills shortages plaguing the State’s resources sector.
According to the QRC, the scholarships, valued at $10,000 a year for the duration of the degree, would be available to engineering and environmental science students from 2010.
The successful recipients will also be invited to join the QRC Scholarship Program.
Students will attend industry conferences and networking events and will receive assistance to secure vacation work at a minerals or energy company, the association said.
According to QRC chief executive Michael Roche, the skills shortage in Queensland is far from resolved, despite the global recession.
“This will become increasingly evident as global demand for minerals and energy commodities rebound,” he said.
“It is in the interests of all Queenslanders to ensure that we are not caught short for the next upturn.
“At the same time, we are providing new and exciting career opportunities for young people.”
CQUniversity vice-chancellor Professor Scott Bowman said the 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,” he said.
“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.
“Scholarships such as these have a direct impact on a student’s ability to succeed at university and in turn contribute to regional development.”
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