A future engineer and plumber have impressed the judges of this year’s Sovereign Hills Display Village Trade Student Development Scholarship.
Newman Senior Technical College Year 12 students Jade Lamb, studying Certificate II Engineering Pathways, and Cameron Jones, studying Certificate III Plumbing, have each been awarded a $1,000 Total Tools voucher due to their commitment and work ethic towards their trade.
Now in its third year, the scholarship was designed to provide encouragement to the construction industry’s next generation by providing assistance to help cover the purchase of tools of the trade.
Jade, who’s interested in steel manufacturing, fencing, roofing and welding, has secured a school-based apprenticeship. She said the scholarship will help her purchase much-needed tools and safety equipment to further her trade skills.
“I still have so much to learn about the trade and now my apprenticeship is underway, I am very excited to get into it, master the skills and start an exciting career,” Jade commented.
Cameron said the scholarship will provide a welcome boost as he tackles his final year of college.
“This voucher will fund specific safety gear, including boots, hats, harnesses, clothes, and other items, as well as the additional tools required for the work to be completed safely and adequately in the workforce,” Cameron explained.
Open to students studying construction, electrotechnology, plumbing, bricklaying, furniture making, manufacturing, and engineering, the scholarship winners were announced at the college’s assembly on 18 December.
“Tradespeople are vital to local economies, providing essential services that keep communities functioning. By nurturing future tradespeople, we strengthen communities, reduce unemployment, and empower local talent,” said a Sovereign Hills Display Village representative.
The Sovereign Hills Display Village is on the move in 2025 with the fourth village, worth a combined $20 million, to showcase the latest design trends, housing options and building products, at its new home on Acton Street, Port Macquarie.
The building activity represents a significant investment in the local community. Every home supports local tradespeople and suppliers, fostering economic growth and job creation in the region.
Construction of the display village will continue over the coming months, with an official opening planned for mid-2025.
(Pictured at top, from left: Better Homes & Developments' Dayne Molony, Hotondo Homes Mid North Coast's Trish Stephens, Newman Senior Technical College Year 12 students Jade Lamb and Cameron Jones, and Rob Tate Family Homes' Nick Player)
