A Curtin University first-year Bachelor of Science (Health and Safety) student has been awarded the 2012 Jim Torlach Scholarship.<\/p>\n
Samantha Pollock, 21, from South Perth, will have her course fees paid for the duration of the three-year degree.<\/p>\n
The generous scholarship, established by the Mining and Resource Contractors Safety Training Association (MARCSTA), also provides the successful awardee with unique practical employment opportunities in the mining industry.<\/p>\n
Ms Pollock\u2019s interest in health and safety was prompted while completing a business administration certificate.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs part of the certificate program I completed a placement in the health and safety department of Woodside\u2019s Karratha gas plant,\u201d Ms Pollock said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe experience was amazing and I decided that I wanted to extend my skills in the field.<\/p>\n
\u201c Completing a university degree in the field seemed liked the next logical step, and Curtin has a great reputation in health and safety education.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am extremely grateful for the scholarship. It means I will be able to concentrate on my studies for the next three years, rather than working long hours to cover my university fees.<\/p>\n
\u201cA great benefit of the scholarship is that I am able to gain on-the-job experience with some of the State\u2019s top employers in health and safety.\u201d<\/p>\n
Head of Curtin\u2019s School of Public Health, Professor Bruce Maycock, said the scholarship provided recipients with a wonderful financial boost.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany of our scholarship winners are also offered employment by leading companies before they graduate,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The Jim Torlach Scholarship honours the memory of James (Jim) Milne Torlach (1938-2006), who made an outstanding contribution to the improvement of safety and health in the mining industry in Western Australia.<\/p>\n
Contact:<\/strong><\/p>\n Kristy Jones, Public Relations, Curtin University
\n<\/strong>Tel: 08 9266 1930, Mobile: 0402 517 300, Email: k.jones@curtin.edu.au<\/a><\/p>\n