Opportunity to graduate without crippling loans

An opportunity to graduate without crippling loans

 
4 November 2010

Ravensdown’s university scholarships allow many young people to start working life without crippling student loans and can also lead to career opportunities within the Co-operative.

 he annual Hugh Williams Ravensdown Memorial scholarship was set-up eight years ago in memory of the late Hugh Williams, who was a Ravensdown director from 1987 to 2000. It offers sons or daughters of Ravensdown shareholders $5000 per year for the duration of their studies for an agricultural or horticultural degree at Lincoln or Massey University.

Applications for the 2011 scholarship close on 3 December 2010

This year’s winner, Ben Hindmarsh, is in his first year at Lincoln University while 2009 recipient Kim Speedy is about to finish his degree – a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture). He had already completed one year of study when he applied for the scholarship, which covered the cost of fees and books for his final two years. The 22 year old is about to head off for a year in Canada and the US initially working at a feedlot near Calgary

“Lincoln was a good experience and having the financial backing of the Hugh Williams Ravensdown Memorial Scholarship and the opportunity to meet and work with the Ravensdown team has made it even more rewarding,” Speedy says. Scholarship winners are offered paid holiday work at Ravensdown.

Kim aims to eventually go farming in his own right, via jobs in the agribusiness sector. For four other recipients, the scholarships have also started careers with Ravensdown including two current account managers – Steven Foote in Nelson and Jackie Gibson in Rakaia, says Tracey Paterson Ravensdown General Manager Human Resources.

“Agricultural degrees provide the students with a wide range of career opportunities and we’re delighted when they want to bring their skills and experience to the Co-operative, after being involved with us throughout their study,” says Ms Paterson.

Ben Hindmarsh is studying a Bachelor of Commerce (agriculture management) which gives him a selection of management papers in his third year. He says the scholarship has given him a great opportunity that he is grasping with both hands.

“I had some savings before I started Lincoln this year but not nearly enough to cover the financial cost of doing a degree. It means as soon as I finish uni I can rip into some work and start developing my career and building up some capital.

“I am not your perfect student... I work hard for every pass. I’m putting huge effort into it – I would still have done the degree but the scholarship and the reason for it being awarded gives a bit of pride and makes me work even harder,” says Hindmarsh.

The Williams family stays closely involved with the scholarship selection process and the winners. Adrienne Williams says it’s pleasing to see the young talent coming through.

“Agriculture is still the backbone of this country’s economy and this scholarship is a great opportunity for sons and daughters of shareholders to get a helping hand for their studies.”

ends
 

© Scoop Media