19 September 2019 – Electricity distributor Unison Networks is delighted to be offering an Engineering Scholarship to the value of $10,000 per year of study to one lucky student. Offered biennially, the scholarship is open to New Zealand students who are intending to, or currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering, majoring in either Electrical or Mechatronics Engineering. In addition to the financial contribution, Unison offers the student vacation work and may offer the student permanent employment, subject to satisfactory completion of the relevant degree and available positions. Unison General Manager, Networks and Operations, Jaun Park said the aim of the Scholarship programme is to attract and develop the next generation of engineers to support Unison’s vision of leading a sustainable energy future. “Our ability to deliver a sustainable network for future generations relies on attracting and retaining talented employees with a passion for innovation. “The excellent technical skills and innovative mind-set of previous scholarship recipients gives us confidence that the future of our network is in good hands, which ultimately supports our purpose of enabling communities to prosper.” Graduate Engineer, Ellen Garrity, is one of six current employees who joined Unison through its Engineering Scholarship programme. Receiving the Scholarship in 2016 while studying at the University of Canterbury, she is now putting her theory into practice. Given her interest in the large-scale ‘power’ side of electrical engineering, Ms Garrity said the scholarship not only offered her financial assistance, but an opportunity to secure employment in the electricity distribution industry. “It’s a fascinating industry to be working in, particularly with the diverse challenges involved with maintaining network reliability. Working behind the scenes in Unison’s control room – observing what is involved in restoring supply to our customers and determining how the impact of faults can be reduced or avoided in the future – has been one of many highlights. “No two days are the same. I have participated in aerial patrols and observed major repairs being carried out with the assistance of a helicopter. I’m very fortunate to be working with some great people and Unison is an excellent employer that takes care of its staff.” “I highly recommend the scholarship to anyone interested in applying. It doesn’t matter whether you’re top of your class academically, electrical engineering requires much more than just technical skills – it is an exciting industry to be a part of.” Applications for the Unison Engineering Scholarship close Friday 1 November 2019. Potential applicants are advised to register via the website providing their CV and a 500 word essay, or short video, detailing why they should be offered the scholarship: www.unison.co.nz/scholarship.