Two promising first-year engineering students – one from Queensland and one from New South Wales – have been awarded scholarships aimed at addressing a shortage of engineers in the Australian resources sector.
The scholarships, awarded by Australian Resources Industry Skills and Education (ARISE) and supported by BHP and BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), are open to students in Year 12 at ARISE partner schools.
Rhys Thurstun, from Redeemer Lutheran College in Rochedale, Qld was awarded a A$10,000 scholarship while Mufaro Tom, from Muswellbrook High School in NSW’s Hunter Valley, was awarded a A$5,000 scholarship.
Currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at UQ, Rhys Thurstun is on a pathway to specialise in chemical engineering. Thurstun said that the money will assist with university costs and provide avenues to connect with industry representatives.
“As one of our college captains and the dux of the school last year, Rhys demonstrated exceptional leadership skills,” said Redeemer Lutheran College Head of Senior School, Anastasia Strong. “We believe that Rhys will make a big impact in his chosen field of engineering.”
For Mufaro Tom, the first student from outside of Queensland to win an ARISE Scholarship, engineering is a natural progression from his love of maths and physics. Inspired by his father, who works in the mining industry, Tom is undertaking a Bachelor of Engineering in the Mining Transfer Program at the University of Newcastle.
“Muswellbrook High School’s staff and students are thrilled for Mufaro,” said Principal Kylie Fabri. “He was valued member of our Student Representative Council and was also selected in 2021 as one of 20 Rural Youth Ambassadors across NSW tasked with finding ways to improve education for rural students.”
ARISE Manager of Skills and Education Matthew Heskett said that these scholarships are designed to help some of the best and brightest young Australians as they pursue careers in the resources sector.
“Both Rhys and Mufaro have gravitated towards engineering because of their love of STEM subjects, and because they’ve had exposure to the resources sector during their school years,” said Matthew. “These scholarships will allow them more freedom and flexibility during their studies so that they can focus on their educational experiences.”
The Australian Resources Industry Skills and Education (ARISE) Initiative was established to broaden the geographic reach of the highly successful industry-led education and skills training initiative, QMEA, in states and territories across Australia.
The initiative encourages secondary school students into STEM-related careers in the resources sector, with a focus on female and Indigenous participation.