GLADSTONE Ports Corporation has awarded its Talent Today, Talent Tomorrow University Scholarship to Kai Mitchell, who hopes to become an instrumentational engineer in Gladstone after graduation.

GPC is providing financial support of $21,000 over a three-year period and paid work placement.

The 18-year old is set to start his six-week paid vacation placement at GPC this month while he completes his double degree in engineering and information technology at CQUniversity.

“I’m looking forward to getting hands on experience and learning from professionals in the field,” Mr Mitchell said.

“I’ve always been interested in instrumentational engineering because I’m interested in how things are interconnected from electrical, mechanical and programming perspectives.”

GPC’s Talent Today, Talent Tomorrow program has supported Mr Mitchell’s learning journey since 2017 when he first received a junior bursary award.

Since then, Kai has been a successful recipient of four GPC school bursaries throughout his primary and secondary school education.

GPC’s Talent Today, Talent Tomorrow school bursary program has helped 208 Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander students over the past nine years with GPC providing more than $106,000 in funding.

“I’m really thankful for all the help I’ve received from GPC’s Talent Today, Talent Tomorrow program as it has given me confidence to work hard towards my goals,” Mr Mitchell said.

Kai is expected to graduate from CQUniversity in 2026.

Indigenous Affairs Advisor Lee-ann Dudley said GPC’s Talent Today, Talent Tomorrow scholarship program helps take the financial pressure off students and their families.

“The scholarship assists in removing the financial barrier in student’s lives and allows them to focus solely on their studies knowing that GPC is supporting them,” Ms Dudley said.

“The program is all part of GPC’s Reconciliation Action Plan and helps increase opportunities for those who identify as Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander communities in the areas in which GPC operates,” she said.

CEO Craig Haymes said the scholarship didn’t just make a difference in students’ lives but also the community.

“We’re proud to be able to provide Kai with a scholarship and paid placement so he can learn from some of the best in the industry right here at Australia’s premier multi-commodity port,” Mr Haymes said.

“It’s fantastic to see students setting out to achieve their career goals no matter how impossible they may seem, it’s not only great for them but it’s important for our community that we support our future workforce.”