A Curtin University first-year Bachelor of Science (Health and Safety) student has been awarded the 2012 Jim Torlach Scholarship.
Samantha Pollock, 21, from South Perth, will have her course fees paid for the duration of the three-year degree.
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.
Ms Pollock’s interest in health and safety was prompted while completing a business administration certificate.
“As part of the certificate program I completed a placement in the health and safety department of Woodside’s Karratha gas plant,” Ms Pollock said.
“The experience was amazing and I decided that I wanted to extend my skills in the field.
“ Completing a university degree in the field seemed liked the next logical step, and Curtin has a great reputation in health and safety education.
“I 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.
“A great benefit of the scholarship is that I am able to gain on-the-job experience with some of the State’s top employers in health and safety.”
Head of Curtin’s School of Public Health, Professor Bruce Maycock, said the scholarship provided recipients with a wonderful financial boost.
“Many of our scholarship winners are also offered employment by leading companies before they graduate,” he said.
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.
Contact:
Kristy Jones, Public Relations, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 1930, Mobile: 0402 517 300, Email: k.jones@curtin.edu.au
Web: http://curtin.edu.au
