Bayside Group recognises that Australia faces significant skill shortages, particularly in the areas of engineering, science, healthcare and specific business related professions. As a specialist recruiter, we understand the challenges faced by employers and recognise that this issue will intensify over the next 20 years.
“We believe that by working together with professionals, employers, universities and industry bodies, we will be able to more effectively meet the requirements of the private, public and not-for-profit sectors in the future,” says Robert Blanche, Joint Founding Director of Bayside Group.
“The number of people who change careers while studying or in their first five years in the workforce is increasing. Therefore, it is critical to Australian industry to encourage and engage young engineers, scientists, healthcare and business professionals.”
The idea for the Bayside Group’s Indigenous Scholarship at RMIT University came from employee suggestions and discussions. According to Blanche, the whole team is very proud of this Scholarship and are eager to support and mentor students in their chosen profession.
“Our vision is about “partnering in the future of people” and this initiative fits in perfectly with this ideal.”
As Bayside Group is committed to partnering with its community and, in particular disadvantaged groups, Joint Founding Director John Wilson said that a scholarship for indigenous students was a natural fit for the company.
“Due to a lack of opportunity, indigenous Australians are under-represented in the specialist fields for which we recruit. Luckily, we are in a position to broaden career opportunities for indigenous Australians by supporting the development of skills sets in areas where critical shortages are evident,” Wilson explains.
Beginning in 2011, the $7,500 scholarship will be awarded to the chosen student at the beginning of their second year of study and will be paid in each of their subsequent years of study.
“Our selection criteria for candidates will include, but not be limited to, the student’s alignment to our company’s values and their commitment to the community,” he said.
Through the scholarship, we hope to partner with a student by providing work placement support within our business, as well as within a client business. At the end of the student’s studies, Bayside Group will assist the graduate to find a position with one of our clients and provide support in the transition from study to full-time work.
This scholarship is a small step towards aligning with individuals who don’t have access to broader career choices.
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