A new scholarship for higher education is being funded by WMS Group to help inspire West Coast youth to pursue a career in the region’s growing minerals industry.
Kaira Lourie, 17, deputy head at Westland High School was named as the inaugural recipient of the company’s scholarship, at an awards ceremony hosted by Development West Coast in Greymouth on Tuesday night (December 5th).
The $32,500 award will support Kaira to study for a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Geology, at Canterbury University, starting in 2024. The scholarship also provides for two years employment with WMS Group at the completion of her degree, as well as work experience during university holidays.
Kaira Lourie says her fascination with earth science was sparked by a school field trip to Lake Haupiri, where she explored the geology of the area. Kaira says she is looking forward to learning more about how the earth works.
“I’m really grateful and excited for this opportunity and relieved to have this support. It gives me a sense of security knowing I will have a job when I finish my study,” says the 2023 scholarship recipient.
WMS Group General Manager of People, Safety, Community, Dan Mahony says Kaira was an outstanding candidate with her positive attitude and passion for sustainability.
“We congratulate Kaira on being the first recipient of our scholarship. We are proud to support the next generation of leaders for our industry and our region and we are excited to work with Kaira as she builds her career.”
WMS Group Managing Director Ray Mudgway says the company’s scholarship complements the four education awards already offered by Development West Coast, which shares a common goal of investing for economic growth for the region.
“By working together we can help our young people on the path to their chosen career and ensure we are building a pipeline of talent for our local industry.”
“We see this as one of the ways we can deliver on our promise of becoming an intergenerational business with a long term commitment to the West Coast,” he says.
Like the DWC scholarships, the WMS scholarship is intended to be awarded annually and is open to students pursuing study relevant to the critical minerals industry.
