Media release
Wins all round with scholarships
Thursday 17 September 2009
A visit to La Trobe University’s website proved a master stroke for Tatura resident, David Carroll and has seen him become the proud recipient of one of 13 civil engineering scholarships offered as part of the University’s ongoing partnership with regional engineering firms.
David’s scholarship, worth up to $38,000 over the course of his degree, has been developed in a partnership between La Trobe University and one of the country’s largest engineering firms, CPG Australia.
Providing the best possible beginning to an engineering career, the scholarship gives David the chance to gain industry experience under the guidance of CPG’s professionals during his studies.
While CPG Australia provides David with both mentoring and vacation work throughout the duration of his degree, it is the financial aspects of the scholarship that allows David the chance to really focus on his studies.
‘Fundamentally the scholarships help to cover the costs of coursework materials but it also gives you the urge to perform well because someone else is investing in your education and they want you to succeed.’
David is looking forward to beginning work in the industry, a perk of the scholarship that provides him with paid experience in his field of study.
La Trobe’s head of civil engineering, Professor Joe Petrolito explains that this is something most university students would love to have, and the hope is that scholarship recipients like David will continue to work regionally once they have finished their course.
‘Many students end up working regionally so the scholarships are really meeting a great need for local businesses and communities.’
La Trobe’s partnership with regional engineering firms has provided a boost to local communities.
However it isn’t just the local businesses and communities that are benefitting from these collaborations. Often it’s the atmosphere of studying at a regional campus that attracts students like David.
‘The lower class sizes mean there is a vastly increased accessibility to lecturers and having this accessibility really aids the learning process.’
David also encourages anyone thinking about studying civil engineering to have a look at the scholarships on La Trobe’s website.
‘I sourced the information from the faculty website and there is a wealth of scholarships on offer.’
Media Inquiries:
Zerin Knight, La Trobe University, Media Liaison, Bendigo Campus
Phone 03 5444 7375
Mobile 0428 463 161
Email z.knight@latrobe.edu.au