Applications are now open for a scholarship named in honour of fifth-generation vigneron and member of one of Australia’s pioneering wine families, Trevor Drayton.

The Trevor Drayton Scholarship, granted by the Hunter TAFE Foundation, comprises awards in culinary, hospitality, and winemaking. The scholarships, valued at $2,500 each, seek to discover promising young talent in the region and showcase the Hunter and Central Coast’s vibrant tourism and hospitality industry.

The scholarship was established by a group of friends and associates of the renowned Hunter winemaker, tragically killed in 2008. Local restaurateur, Scott Webster remains a driving force behind the fundraising and scholarship scheme established to honour the memory of his good friend.

“Trevor was an industry icon who carried his family’s winemaking tradition with dignity. The Trevor Drayton Scholarship was created to assist people starting out in the industry and support them as they pursue the same level of excellence that Trevor always strove for,” Scott said.

“By partnering with the Hunter TAFE Foundation, we are able to support the career development of students and young industry professionals who have their skills founded in the quality training that TAFE NSW provides right here in the Hunter.”

Kim Williams was the 2017 Trevor Drayton Scholarship winemaking recipient and had initially enrolled in the Diploma of Viticulture at TAFE NSW Kurri Kurri with a keen interest in agriculture and desire to learn more about wine and the science behind the industry.

“During my course I had chosen the Rutherglen region for a research topic. The scholarship enabled me to travel to Rutherglen during vintage, a world-renowned region for fortified wines, so to actually be there gaining industry experience first-hand was amazing,” Kim said.

“When I received the scholarship, it was unbelievable. To have access to the finances to undertake professional development is great, but it is the confidence that the scholarship has given me that is most valuable.”

The scholarship is open to all current and past TAFE NSW students who have completed training within the past five years in hospitality, culinary skills or winemaking. Applications for 2018 are now open and will close on 29 November 2017.

IMAGE | 2017 Trevor Drayton Scholarship recipient, Kim Williams.