CMEIG announces inaugural Trade Support Scholarships recipients
CMEIG has announced the inaugural recipients of its Trade Support Scholarships, recognising six apprentices building their careers in the construction and mining equipment industry.
The scholarship was established to support apprentices and trainees employed by CMEIG member organisations who are experiencing financial hardship or cost-of-living pressures while completing their qualification.
Each recipient will receive a $2,500 scholarship, along with access to mentoring and industry support networks designed to help them stay on track, complete their training and build long-term careers in the industry.
CMEIG CEO Frank Gili says the scholarships reflect CMEIG’s commitment to supporting the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
“Skilled apprentices and trainees are critical to the future of Australia’s heavy industries and we have a responsibility not only to attract talented people into these careers, but to help them succeed once they’re here.
“Cost-of-living pressures can make completing a trade more challenging, particularly for those in the early stages of their careers. These scholarships are about helping remove some of those barriers, while also connecting recipients with mentors and industry networks that can support them throughout to develop their skills, complete their qualification and become the skilled tradespeople our industry needs,” Frank says.
The inaugural CMEIG Trade Support Scholarship recipients are:
- Jed Wood, Hitachi
- Kane Sommerville, WesTrac
- Hayden Volraat Dye, Liebherr
- Ally Ricketts, Komatsu
- Bella Coggin, Komatsu
- Emily Otter, Construction Equipment Australia
Three scholarships are supported by CMEIG, while the three female scholarships are delivered in partnership with Tradeswomen Australia, a not-for-profit that aims to increase the representation of women in skilled trade roles and create safe workplaces for everyone.
Clea Smith, CEO of Tradeswomen Australia offered her congratulations to each of the inaugural scholarship recipients.
“We know that financial support, mentoring, industry connections and a sense of belonging can make a real difference to completing an apprenticeship and building a long-term career in the trades.
“Tradeswomen Australia is proud to partner with CMEIG on this initiative and congratulate them on their leadership. As the peak body for the construction and mining equipment industry, CMEIG is helping shape a more inclusive future for the sector. Initiatives like this demonstrate the powerful role industry can play in removing barriers, supporting women apprentices and building the skilled workforce Australia needs,” she says.
Frank adds that CMEIG is proud to support the six recipients as they continue their training.
“Completing an apprenticeship or traineeship takes focus, resilience and support. We congratulate each of this year’s recipients and look forward to seeing them continue to grow their skills and careers,” Frank says.
