Pilbara Iron's Indigenous Scholarship
recipients got together at the annual recognition
function to share their study and
career experiences


Scholarship recipient Bruce Rudeforth says the
scholarship has increased his interest in
the resources industry

Talented students who have been awarded a Pilbara Iron Indigenous Scholarship gathered in Perth for an annual function to recognise their progress, studies and careers.

Eight students attended, some in their final year of study and others who are relatively new to the program. Law, medicine, commerce and marine science are just a few of the professional fields they’re studying.

The function provided students with an opportunity to meet Rio Tinto Iron Ore employees and past scholarship recipients to gain advice on study and work prospects and, in some cases, opportunities for work experience.

Scholarship recipient Bruce Rudeforth says the scholarship with Rio Tinto Iron Ore has significantly increased his interest in the resource and mining industry.

“I didn’t think I’d ever use my law degree in the mining and resources industry. Being involved in the scholarship program has opened my eyes to the industry and it’s now where I want to work when I finish studying,” says Bruce.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s Superintendent Community Development Stuart Robertson says the Pilbara Iron Indigenous Scholarships Program has been a great success.

“In conjunction with the Karratha Curtin University Scholarship Program, it has seen approximately 20 Indigenous students graduate and move into professional employment,” says Stuart.

“We’ve been running the program for 14 years and it fits with our goal to provide access to students to train in professional fields and work in their own communities once they’ve graduated.”

The program enables students to complete university debt-free and also provides support for items such as the cost of textbooks.

Individuals from all the Traditional Owner groups in the Pilbara who achieve TEE entrance into university and study mining-related degrees will be on the priority list to be considered for a scholarship. Scholarships can also be awarded to students from other regions, depending on the number of places available.