Unison Scholarship Winner Preparing for a Bright Future

Unison Scholarship Winner Preparing for a Bright Future

15 April 2013 – Rotorua Lakes High School student Steven Simpson is preparing for a bright future after being awarded Unison Networks’ scholarship to study electrical engineering at Canterbury University.

Unison General Manager of Networks and Operations, Jaun Park said Steven was a worthy winner of the Scholarship.

“As part of the application process, candidates were required to submit an essay on why they wanted to pursue a career in the electricity industry. Steven’s essay showed a clear passion for electrical engineering, and this passion, as well as a fantastic attitude, showed through during his interview and tour of Unison. We believe he has a great future in the industry.”

Steven said he had always been interested in electronics; his favourite subjects at school were physics and calculus, and he enjoyed making little circuit boards as a hobby.

“This is an amazing opportunity; the financial contribution towards my fees means I won’t finish my study with a huge loan to pay, and I’m excited because it also offers the opportunity for future employment.”

Before beginning his first year at Canterbury University, Steven returned to spend a day with fellow Unison Scholarship recipients Ashley Stewart, Mitchell Graham and John Kleinjan.

Ashley finished her studies in 2012 and has been employed full time with Unison in a graduate role, working with the Networks team on the Company’s smart grid projects. Both Mitchell and John return during University holidays to take up paid work experience, as part of their scholarship package.

Launched in 2010, the Unison scholarship is offered to Year 13 students from within its network regions of Hawke’s Bay, Taupo and Rotorua.

Unison Group Chief Executive Officer Ken Sutherland said the scholarships were an important part of Unison’s talent development programme, addressing a shortage of students choosing to study electrical engineering.

“Unison has partnered with school programmes such as Futureintech to talk to students about the variety of career opportunities engineering degrees offer.

“This scholarship will provide young people from within Unison’s community with a fantastic head-start to pursue their passion for a career in engineering,” said Mr Sutherland.

ENDS

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