The annual program has now run for 11 years and is open to pupils from Muswellbrook High School, St Joseph’s Aberdeen, Scone High School and Scone Grammar who plan to complete an undergraduate engineering degree in any of the disciplines of mining, electrical, mechanical, environmental, chemical or mineral processing.

In addition to financial support, the scholarship provides valuable industry experience through 10 weeks of paid vacation work at Bengalla each year. 

“I have always had an interest in science and technology and, after completing work experience at Bengalla in Year 10, I became more focussed on my schooling to accomplish my goal of studying engineering at university, which will, in turn, allow for a wide variety of job opportunities in my future,” scholarship recipient Talesin Court-Kriesch said.

“Achieving this scholarship has given me the ability to better focus on my studies at university and, coming from an average rural family, relieved much of the stress regarding the cost of studying and living away from home.

“From this I am looking forward to challenging myself and learning an exciting new subject at university, along with the chance to solve problems and work in a team environment in the future.”

Bengalla chief executive officer Cam Halfpenny said the mining company was pleased to provide this scholarship to a local student, like Talesin.

“We want pupils to achieve their study and career goals in the mining sector,” he explained.

“Engineering is an exciting field to work in and we encourage young people to consider it as a career option.

“I look forward to having Talesin join scholarship students from previous years on site at the end of the year to undertake vacation work as part of the scholarship program.

“This will equip him with real life engineering skills that will help him with his studies and future career.

“I congratulate Talesin on winning the scholarship and wish him all the best in undertaking this step towards a career in engineering.”