UCOL Ākonga Awarded $35,000 In 10th Year Of Freemasons Willson Lewis Scholarship
by UCOL · SCOOPEighteen Manawatū ākonga were awarded Freemasons Willson Lewis Scholarships yesterday, totalling 35,000 to assist them with their studies and career advancement.
The Freemasons Willson Lewis Scholarships is a joint initiative between Freemasons Lodge Manawatu Kilwinning No 47, UCOL and Master Builders. The scholarships were first awarded in 2016, with the goal of helping tradespeople working in the construction industry to develop their skills further. These scholarships are supported by the Manawatu Kilwinning Charitable Trust and The Freemasons Charity of New Zealand.
This year, the 18 scholarships were awarded to ākonga currently studying the New Zealand Diplomas in Architectural Technology, Construction Management and Quantity Surveying.
These scholarships come in the form of monetary awards to help recipients with costs associated with their study. This year’s recipients are Sonny Huynh, Rory Kynoch, Aaron Roff, Levi Wells, George Mikkelsen, Josh Reddiex, Michael Katene, Cameron Bruce, Hunter Handcock, Ethan McIvor, Summer Ruiseen-Hohaia, Chloe Kite, Abigail Jones, April Quinn, Zara Brown, Jaydah Horn, Paige Milne, and Riley Hammer.
For two of the students, Summer Ruiseen-Hohaia and Paige Milne, they were taken aside in class to be told, initially thinking it was bad news, they were both thrilled to be told they’d been successful.
“These scholarships make all the difference for us, it’s a significant amount towards our fees, so that really takes the financial pressure off us when we finish,” says Milne.
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For Ruiseen-Hohaia, it's made travelling from Whanganui to complete her studies all the more worthwhile.
Architectural Technology ākonga, Chloe Kite, says she received an email while at home advising her, and was absolutely stoked.
“We understand how competitive these scholarships are, so it felt very personal. I’m so grateful, the additional financial support makes studying while balancing a family that much easier.”
Danny Reilly, UCOL Executive Dean Engineering & Applied Technologies, says scholarships like these make a big difference in tradespeople's lives and really benefit the industry.
"UCOL is proud to be part of the Freemasons Willson Lewis Scholarships for 10 years now. Initiatives like this make it easier for tradespeople to upskill, which benefits them and their employers."
John Brooks, Freemasons Lodge Manawatu Kilwinning No 47 Master is a long-time supporter of students across both polytechnics and universities, having supported over 2,000 students. He says his organisation is proud to provide opportunities for tradespeople to upskill.
"Supporting and encouraging people into education opportunities is one part of the charitable foundation of Freemasonry. It's great to be able to support our tradespeople who want to take their careers to the next level. We hope these scholarships help the recipients get better at what they do and lead them to further opportunities.
Campbell Findlay, Master Builders Manawatū President, says sponsoring these scholarships fits the organisation's ethos of supporting and growing the construction industry.
"The value of supporting initiatives like this is three-fold; individuals gain job satisfaction as they continue to develop their skills, clients get a better product and service, and our industry benefits as a whole – each builder in the industry is a key player in what our future can look like. The recipients of the Freemasons Willson Lewis Scholarships will enhance their future job prospects and build enduring and successful careers. I wish them every success.”
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