Hunter Trade College announces 2019 HomeWorld Scholarship recipients

Hunter Trade College today announced Christopher Birch, Dylan Manavaroa and Joel Budden as the 2019 recipients of its HomeWorld Scholarships.

Now in its fourth year, HomeWorld provides scholarships for three local students to attend Hunter Trade College, where they complete their Higher School Certificate while transitioning into full-time employment in the building and construction industry.

Hunter Trade College CEO, Mrs. Mallory Gleeson said, “We value the opportunity to work with a respected industry player in the local housing industry and appreciate HomeWorld’s generosity in supporting young people who are eager to be part of the future construction workforce”.

Dylan Manavaroa is studying CPC20211 Certificate II in Construction Pathways, Joel Budden is studying UEE21711 Certificate II in Technical Support (Electrotechnology) and Christopher Birch is studying part of the UEE30811 Certificate III in Electrotechnology. Christopher was recently named as the Vocational Education and Training Student of the Year in the 2019 Hunter Region Apprentice and Trainee Awards.

Students were awarded the scholarships based on their demonstration and commitment towards acquiring high-level trade skills and knowledge.

HomeWorld CEO, Phil Jones said he was once again delighted to recognise the commitment and talents of three local students and to support them in developing their careers in the building industry.

“The HomeWorld Group recognises the importance of providing opportunities to the next generation of local builders and trades. We are thrilled to be able to assist these students through that crucial first step towards starting on their desired career paths. Gaining a trade allows these students to look ahead to not only a great job, but the opportunity to start their own business and entrepreneurial paths . The building industry relies on the skills and talents of local trades, so investing in education and training is important to us,” said Jones.

The HomeWorld Scholarship was first announced in 2016 to coincide with the opening of HomeWorld Thornton, which features 43 display homes from 14 of the Hunter and New South Wales’ leading building companies. In addition to its village in Thornton, HomeWorld has a brand new village in Warnervale on the Central Coast as well as villages in Kellyville in Sydney’s north-west, Leppington in Sydney’s south-west, and soon to be opened, brand new village in Marsden Park in Sydney’s north west.

The recipients of last year’s HomeWorld Scholarship recipients have gained invaluable experience through their enrolment at Hunter Trade College, with each student securing fulltime employment following their studies. Brae Wissink is now a second year apprentice with JKB Building and Carpentry, Lachlan Grubb is a second year apprentice with AJW Carpentry and Blake Young is a second year apprentice with Shay Gillies Building.

Mrs. Gleeson said “These outcomes highlight the value of considering a non-traditional pathway to the Higher School Certificate for students interested in career in the trades. It is through the support of businesses across the region, such as HomeWorld, that we are able to give our students the opportunity for a head-start in their chosen trade”.

Based in Telarah, Hunter Trade College provides young people with the opportunity to study for the Higher School Certificate while commencing a trade qualification and accessing pathways into various trades. Enrolments are now open for Year 11 students to commence in 2020.