Port of Newcastle has partnered with the University of Newcastle to launch its first Indigenous STEM Scholarship.
The $30,000 partnership, which launched in late October, aims to enhance the Hunter Region’s capacity in meeting future technology-led jobs and to support tertiary education pathways for Indigenous students.
The scholarship is open to Indigenous students who plan to complete a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) related degree at the University of Newcastle.
The three scholarships are each worth $10,000 and will be awarded over the three-year period of the program.
Port of Newcastle CEO,Craig Carmody said the scholarship forms part of a broader commitment to creating social, environmental, and economic benefits for NSW and the Hunter Region.
“The Indigenous STEM scholarship has been established to develop and attract the advanced skills that will be needed by the port and local industry in the future,”Craig said.
“Importantly, it also aims to inspire and support pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to be a part of this technology-led environment.
“As we progress our plans to build the proposed Multi-purpose Deepwater Terminal–generating an estimated 15,000 direct and indirect jobs across Australia during the design and construction phase alone–we will need a wide and deep talent pool to draw from.
The proposed MDT project will need schedulers, terminal supervisors andoperators, freight and logistics managers and planners.
The Port also expect to see increased demand for computer programmers, freight and logistics analysts, electrical and mechanical engineers and programmers, remote controller operators,warehouse and distribution managers, designers, intermodal managers, and operators.
“I hope this scholarship will provide an incentive for students to seriously consider a future career in a STEM-related field and choose to be part of the future talent pool for high-skill, high-income, local jobs emerging over the next decade and beyond,” Craig said.
University of Newcastle Director, Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation, Leah Armstrong, said the new partnership was an exciting pathway leveraging the unique insight of Indigenous students.
“Our connection with the Port of Newcastle evolved as a result of our mutual focus on sustainability and understanding of our environment,”she said.
“As an organisation, the University of Newcastle is committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students coming into higher education. Cultural understanding of our land and habitats aligns itself beautifully with this opportunity for our Indigenous students and we look forward to watching them shine.”
As well as financial support, the scholarship includes the opportunity to take part in professional development at Port of Newcastle and learn more about port operations.
Applications are now open, and scholarships will be awarded in 2021 based on university enrolment, merit and community involvement.
Interested students should contact the careers advisor at their school or find out more here.
IMAGE | Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody and University of Newcastle Director, Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation, Leah Armstrong.
