Bengalla invests in local students

The Coal & Allied managed Bengalla mine is making it easier for local students to pursue a career in engineering.

For the fifth consecutive year, Bengalla is offering a four year scholarship - worth in total $34,000 or $8,500 per year - to assist a local student who wants to become an engineer.

The scholarship is open to year 12 students from Muswellbrook High, St Josephs Aberdeen, Scone High and Scone Grammar who plan to complete a mining, electrical, mechanical, environmental, chemical or mineral processing undergraduate engineering degree.

Bengalla General Manager Operations Andrea Sutton said the scholarship is part of Bengalla's long term commitment to the Hunter Valley.

"This scholarship provides a wonderful opportunity for local students and I encourage anyone considering a career in engineering to apply," said Ms Sutton.

"We hope it will provide an incentive for students to seriously consider a future in mining.

"We want to see local students go on to join Coal & Allied's workforce of around 1800 direct employees and 1300 contractors."

Ms Sutton said that investing in education is part of Coal & Allied's approach to sustainable development. "We are committed to making sure we benefit the communities in which we operate," Ms Sutton said.

"By choosing to support education, we are helping students today and contributing to the ongoing success of the community."

As well as financial support, Ms Sutton said the scholarship will also provide valuable industry experience through vacation work at Bengalla, as well as the opportunity to apply for the Rio Tinto Coal Australia Graduate Development Program upon degree completion.

Applications are open from 24 August to 4pm Friday 24 September, 2010 and will be awarded in January 2011 based on university acceptance and merit, with community involvement a plus.

Interested students should contact the careers advisor at their school or Debbie Day at Bengalla on 02 6542 9511.

Media enquiries: Matthew Klar 0457 525 578

Media release - Bengalla invests in local students [PDF: 25 KB]