“I always had plans to work overseas, to travel and enjoy different cultures. With the help of the Australian Overseas Foundation, this dream is becoming a reality”.
Christopher Whyte is now trying to decide where in the world to go. The 22 year old motor mechanic from Hurstbridge is one of only six winners of this year’s prestigious AOF 2008 Scholarship.
“I plan to study abroad and work with a major car company, hopefully in a country such as Germany, where the motor industry is booming or somewhere like Dubai, where the country itself is booming,” he said.
Christopher's automotive scholarship was sponsored by the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce. He is employed by Saunders Automotive, Hurstbridge which has been a great support and encouraged Christopher to pursue his dream of working overseas. He is now keen to use his opportunity to learn more about the industry.
“The motor trade is my field of expertise and new technology in cars is the future,” he said.
He already has an impressive resume but this latest accolade is certain to open a few doors both domestically and globally.
Christopher was awarded Bronze medals in Regional World Skills competitions and achieved Certificate 3 in Mechanical Light Vehicle Motor Mechanics course at Kangan Batman TAFE.
Also at VACC House to receive an AOF Scholarship from Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Kretser, was Hollie Tomlin. By her own admission, she was a late starter as an apprentice but the Painter and Decorator from Geelong “hasn’t looked back since”. The 28 year old is not only talented, but she is an inspiration to other females considering a career in the trades.
“It’s hard trying to be a lady in a man’s world, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said.
“I have become accustomed to muddy boots, sweaty men, overused portable toilets (if any), swearing, cold weather, paint in eyes and hair and wearing overalls with steel cap boots.
“But being a female has not restricted me in my job. I encourage females to give trades a go. It can be hard work but you get used to it. Seeing the end result and the work you have put in is self-satisfying and rewarding,” Hollie said.
Hollie is now planning to go to Canada and travel and work in Vancouver, Toronto and Quebec City.
The Australian Overseas Foundation Scholarship has now benefited more than 300 young Australians.
Established in 1956, the organisation promotes the importance of overseas travel, for at least twelve months, and for talented young individuals to be exposed to the widest possible developments. By broadening their life experiences they can then return to Australia to use the knowledge and life-skills to their benefit and to the benefit of their industry and country.
