Harrison Jones will study towards Bachelor of Commerce (Agricultural Management) at Lincoln University; Georgia Robb, Bachelor of Commerce, Victoria University; Jessica Hamilton, Bachelor of Science, Canterbury University (Biology/Chemistry); and Zak Hamilton, Bachelor of Engineering, Canterbury University. The four were chosen from among 21 applicants.
Westland Milk Products chief executive Rod Quin says the company was impressed with the calibre of the applicants and congratulates all students who entered the scholarship contest.
"This year's successful applicants have shown a commitment to their education. We wish them well with their studies and look forward to supporting them."
The co-op's university scholarship scheme is intended to encourage and support West Coast students in tertiary education, and benefit the region's employment prospects and economy.
As part of a new initiative in the scheme, departmental managers at Westland Milk have been assigned to mentor the successful students if they need help during their studies.
The scholars receive $3000 per year for the duration of their studies (three years) and are guaranteed holiday work at Westland Milk during the holidays from November to February. Full employment with the co-op is offered after graduation, subject to a position being available.
Hamilton, fresh from a year-long AFS exchange to Serbia, is looking forward to Canterbury University and experience at Westland – "... a company I would be proud to represent."
Jessica's brother Zak, also a successful scholarship applicant – "this is not just a monetary scholarship [but] an opportunity to start a career in a company I want to work with."
Robb says she has chosen to study international business and marketing at Victoria University because she is passionate about the dairy industry. "Westland Milk Products is an exciting, forward thinking and innovative company."
Jones, studying agricultural management at Lincoln University, says he was "overwhelmed [at winning] the scholarship as I know how well contested it is."
At the end of 2011 Westland Milk had six other students in the scholarship scheme.
Six previous scholars have graduated and now work for the company.
