MITO awards 13 scholarships

Wellington, New Zealand (15 April 2011) – The waiting is over with the 2011 recipients of the inaugural MITO scholarships announced today. Thirteen scholarships were up for grabs across three categories, with over $20,000 in the funding pool.

There were over 40 applications from around the country all seeking to advance their study and career goals. Over half of the scholarship applicants had already completed at least one national qualification with MITO. The scholarship funding will go directly to study costs.

 

The School Leavers' Scholarship is for secondary school students who intend to enrol in a MITO apprenticeship. Six scholarships, each worth $1,000, were awarded:

  • Neil Adams, Neils Auto Centre, Waiuku
  • Kane Skelsey, L W Watkins Motors Ltd (t/a Watkins Motors), Wanganui
  • Ryan Thompson, Te Aroha Tractors and Garden Machinery, Te Aroha
  • Scott Mallinder, Craig Wills Upholsterer and Motor Trimmers, Wanganui
  • Kieran O'Connell, Smith & Davies Limited, North Shore
  • Aaron McIlroy, Team Auto Centre, Clive

The ATech® Scholarship is for automotive technicians who have completed a National Certificate(Level 4) with MITO and who aspire to work in advanced technical roles. They will complete ATech®, MITO's elite training programme. Three scholarships, each worth $1,000, were awarded:

  • Hayden McCulloch, Otago Farm Machinery, Mosgiel
  • Daniel Packwood, Fairview Motors Limited, Hamilton
  • Michael Paaymans, Lodge Auto Centre Limited, Hastings

The Graduate Scholarship is for MITO graduates who have completed a National Certificate (Level 4) and intend to pursue further training through another MITO qualification, international study or practical experience overseas. Four scholarships, each worth up to $3,000, were awarded:

  • Ryan Purvis, Perfect Autobody Ltd, Christchurch
  • David Hadfield, Thames Panelbeaters Ltd, Thames
  • James O'Connor, Prestige Commercial Vehicles, Timaru
  • Daniel Townsend, AMT Auto Electrical, Wanganui

Chief Executive of the NZ Motor Industry Training Organisation (Inc), Janet Lane, congratulated each of the scholarship recipients, commending them on their commitment to study to advance their careers.

"The calibre of applications was impressive. We had school leavers present comprehensive CVs and provide compelling reasons why they wanted a MITO apprenticeship and at the other end of the spectrum, graduates who have fantastic aspirations for leadership roles within the industry", said Lane. "We are delighted to be able to support them to achieve their ambitions".

All scholarship study programmes must be completed within one year of being awarded.