FIFTEEN workers in the automotive industry have become recipients of a scholarship designed to accelerate their career path through funding further education and training.

The MTAA Super Scholarship provides up to $5000 per recipient to support studies in the automotive and related industries.

It was funded by donations from the Trustee Board of MTAA Super and the CEO of MTAA Super from their personal money.

MTAA Super chair John Brumby said the scholarship program – which this year totalled more than $50,000 – will help new and experienced workers deal with the impacts of COVID-19.

“Like many industries, Australia’s auto industry has been seriously impacted by the pandemic and the recession,” he said.

“Many workers have had hours cut or lost access to important educational opportunities. This adds a lot of pressure to businesses, workers, and their families.

“The MTAA Super Scholarship will support individuals to upskill and find new career pathways in the industry and will help the industry to grow and innovate.”

Australian Communities Foundation administered the program for MTAA Super. It received 59 applications from all Australian states and territories, almost half from rural and regional areas.

Recipients of the scholarships include both MTAA Super members and non-members.

MTAA Super board member Geoff Lowe said that the calibre of applications for the funds was exceedingly high.

“We were blown away by the quality of the applicants from across the country,” he said.

“From vehicle mechanics to students to marketers and business owners, they all had a clear vision for their future and were deeply committed to and passionate about this industry.”

Mr Lowe said he hoped the MTAA Super Scholarships would help individuals take further steps along their automotive career pathway.

“I hope the recipients genuinely grab hold of this opportunity,” he said.

“Whether they’re using it to help with their studies or adding additional skills, there are many, many pathways in this industry.

“That’s why it plays a multi-faceted role in the Australian economy for hundreds of thousands of people daily.”

The MTAA Super Scholarship recipients are: Changco Quelino (Vic); Claire Dunne (Vic); Daniel Purtle (Vic); Darren Rapsey (Vic); Edward Maddock (Vic); Flynn Grace (Vic); Joel Terpstra (Vic); Mitchell Douglas Lambert (Vic); Tanara Absolom (Vic); Emily Munro (NSW); Gavin Brauer (NSW); Jamie Firebrace (NSW); Scott Parkes (NSW); Macauley Taunton (NT); and David Wylie (SA).

Clarification: A previous report indicated the funds for the scholarship came from the MTAA Super fund and its members. This is not the case as the scholarship comes from personal donations and not from the superannuation fund.

By Neil Dowling