A financial boost to help people into the civil engineering industry is on offer for students at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.
Civil engineering contracting companies across the region have banded together to offer a scholarship for a student in NMIT’s Diploma of Civil Engineering programme.
NMIT introduced the programme last year in response to research showing a shortage of civil engineers and a need for at least 15 graduates or cadets in the region each year.
Students who have completed year one and are enrolling in the second year of the diploma will be eligible for the scholarship from the Nelson Marlborough branch of Civil Contractors New Zealand.
The first recipient will be announced later this month, receiving $1500 per year to help with student fees.
CCNZ, which represents 27 companies across Nelson and Marlborough, and NMIT will sign the agreement on Wednesday at Ching Contracting Ltd’s Stoke head office.
Ching director and chairman of the CCNZ committee Andrew Spittal says the scholarship will encourage students to do their study locally and, after graduation, stay working in the region.
“We’re delighted NMIT has introduced the Civil Engineering Diploma programme and want to do what we can to encourage and support students in Nelson and Marlborough”.
The NMIT diploma course is two years full time or four years part time, allowing students to work as trainees with local companies while they study.
NMIT Director of Marketing and International Development Virginia Watson has welcomed CCNZ’s support. “NMIT is all about practical, work-ready learning, and our industry partnerships help ensure our education programmes align to what employers are looking for when taking on staff”.
