New Hope Group and Bengalla Mining Company are proud to support the local community and provide scholarships to Hunter locals, who dream of a career in mining.
Since 2000, Bengalla Mining Company has supported more than 100 students with their tertiary studies from Muswellbrook High School, St Joseph’s High School Aberdeen, Scone High School and Scone Grammar School.
Each year, Bengalla also awards Undergraduate Mining Scholarships to students undertaking a degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Mining, Environmental or Mineral Processing), Surveying, Geology, IT, Human Resources or Accounting.
The scholarships support students, including Mining Engineering Scholarship recipient, Mufaro Tom, throughout their four years of study and includes paid vacation work.
“I’m a local boy,” Mufaro said.
“I grew up in Muswellbrook and now live in Maitland and commute to university in Sydney.
“The scholarship money is fantastic and means I don’t have to work as much, so I can focus on my studies.
“What is most valuable, is the opportunity to learn on the job with the team at Bengalla. I’ve spent the past two years onsite working during university holidays. University is great for theory, however, I get practical experience at Bengalla. I feel like I really have the upper hand.
“Dad’s in mining and encouraged me to apply for the Engineering Scholarship at Bengalla. If, like me, you’re fortunate to receive one, it gives you a great head start in your career.”
Joe Hancock was awarded an Electrical Engineering Scholarship in 2022.
“I receive $8,500 per year, and so far, I haven’t spent a dollar,” Joe said.
“The money is just sitting there, however, it will come in very handy when I have to pay-off my HECS-Help debt.
“The scholarship has definitely helped and allowed me to focus on my studies.
“I’ve been onsite at Bengalla five days a week since mid-November. I’ve done all sorts of jobs linked to electrical engineering. I even built a test box for an earth leakage relay.
“It has been a great experience. The team is great and very helpful. I’ve really enjoyed it.”