The Sovereign Hills Display Village builders have banded together to support up-and-coming tradies in the construction industry with the launch of the first Student Development Scholarship.
Supporting commitment to learning in the residential construction industry, the scholarship consists of four $500 vouchers to be utilised at Petrie’s Mitre 10 Port Macquarie.
Open to Newman Senior Technical College students studying Construction, Electrotechnology, Plumbing, Bricklaying, Furniture Making or Manufacturing and Engineering, the scholarship aims to assist students who have a goal of working in the residential construction industry kick-start their careers with the purchase of tools, safety equipment or project materials.
Scholarship recipients Breea Kesby, Declan Trounce, Cooper Williams, and Joshua Howle – who will all be completing Year 12 in 2023 - were revealed at the Newman College's final assembly and awards presentation by representatives from the Sovereign Hills group of builders which include:
Forecast to construct more than 600 homes across the Mid North Coast generating an estimated $240 million in local new home construction activity annually, the Sovereign Hills Display Village builders are well aware of the need to develop a pathway for young people to take up the construction trades to keep the industry turning.
“The importance of the training undertaken at Newman Technical College cannot be underestimated especially in a region such as ours where quality tradespeople across all sectors are constantly in high demand,” a display village representative said.
“Taking on a trade will not only benefit you with lifelong skills but also provide the opportunity to eventually be successful in your own business. I know I am speaking on behalf of all the builders in the Sovereign Hills Display Village when I wish not just our scholarship recipients but all students the very best in their chosen trade.”
Breea Kesby who is studying Certificate II Construction Pathways and SOA towards Certificate III Plumbing at Newman will be using her voucher to purchase tools of her chosen trade, including drills, tube and plastics pipe cutters.
“It will be so much better being able to bring my own tools and not have to borrow someone’s gear on-site at my work placement.”
“When starting out in the building industry, there are a number of tools or safety equipment you could invest in. Any financial assistance towards this is welcomed and hopes to inspire a young person to pursue this field of work”. Tom Moriarty - Leader of VET Curriculum Newman Senior Technical College shared.
Declan Trounce is studying Electrotechnology - Certificate II Electrotechnology, Cooper Williams is studying Construction - Certificate II Construction Pathways, Furniture Making - Certificate II Furniture Making Pathways and Joshua Howle Furniture Making - Certificate II Furniture Making Pathways
All students plan to use their voucher to purchase tools and equipment.
The Sovereign Hills Display Village is the biggest display village between Newcastle and the Gold Coast, including 20 homes from 13 award-winning different builders. With sustainability at the forefront including solar panels, passive cooling and heating and numerous energy-saving products, the display village provides a wealth of information and inspiration. You can gain expert building advice, and explore custom designs for all lifestyles and budgets when you visit the Sovereign Hills Display Village, York Street, Port Macquarie.
For more information visit the website here.
You can also view the Sovereign Hills monthly Style Series, which ventures behind the York Street facades to discover the latest design trends and tips here.
