Central Coast Council congratulated 2016 scholarship and internship students and welcomed the 2017 scholarship students at a well-attended ceremony yesterday.

With the number of young Coast residents with university qualifications less than half the state average, these innovative programs aim to inspire locals to stay committed to their studies.

Council’s Executive Manager of People and Culture, Ms Kellie Reeves, said the programs served the dual purpose of encouraging tertiary education while assisting students to get a head start in their chosen careers.

“Although youth unemployment on the Coast has dropped 2.5 per cent, from 17 per cent in July 2016 to 14.5 per cent in November 2016, we are keen to see this figure drop even further, as we are still higher than the national average,” Ms Reeves said.

“Our scholarship program looks to address the current disconnect in the transition from schooling to training or employment.

“Open to local high school graduates and students who have completed their first year of university, this program encourages students to continue their education and look towards their future.

Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said council’s internship program was open to third or fourth year students.

“Our internship program equips students with skills and hands-on experience needed to get their foot in the door of a very competitive workforce,” Mr Reynolds said.

“Both programs provide financial support to pursue tertiary study which may otherwise be unattainable for individuals.

“Job creation is one of Council’s top priorities and this is one way Council is working to help the community establish careers locally and keep our talent here on the Coast.”

The four graduating interns for 2016 are:

• Emily Rindfleish – Environmental Science & Management
• Jeremy Jones –Engineering/Engineering Practices
• Mitchell Knox – Civil Engineering.
• James Wilkinson – Civil Engineering

2016 Scholarships have been involved in a number of community projects and exposed to a wide range of skills and experiences within their allocated areas within the business. They were mentored within Roads and Drainage, Waterways and Asset Management, Property Management and Community and Cultural Programs within Council.

Graduating 2016 scholarship recipients are:

• Aliesha Gates – Bachelor of Social Science
• Joseph Avia – Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
• Zacheriah Simunovic – Bachelor of Civil/Environmental Engineering
• Ezekiel Woof – Bachelor of Civil Engineering

Students who won 2017 Scholarships after a highly competitive selection process:

• Mitchell Legge – studying Business Administration
• Aspen Eyers – studying Engineering (Mechatronics)
• Zacheriah Simunovic - studying Civil/Environmental Engineering

The intern program offers 12 months of paid work experience, 21 hours a week, for eight university students in the final two years of their degree.

Students are required to write a report on their experience within the ranks of Council upon completion of their program.