May 26, 2021

UOW students awarded Sir William Tyree Scholarships

Scholarship to support high performing engineering students

Two University of Wollongong (UOW) undergraduate students have been awarded the 2021 Sir William Tyree Scholarships for Engineering provided by the Tyree Transformers business.

The scholarship provides each student with $15,000 per year over the duration of their undergraduate studies at UOW. The scholarship is designed to support high performing electrical and mechanical engineering students from regional and remote NSW and the ACT.

The UOW scholarship winners are Samuel Caddy and Angus Williams.

Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) student Samuel Caddy says that he has always had a keen interest in tinkering and the mechanical world since an early age. From helping with his father’s cabinetry business to weekend projects, he was always looking to build something new or improve on an existing design.

“In an ever-changing world, the refinement and improvement of this passion into a viable skillset that can be used in industry led me to a degree in Mechanical Engineering,” Samuel said.

 “Through this degree I want to hone my understanding and ultimately create or add to something within the field to better society and my career.

“The Tyree Scholarship is a great way to begin to put your skills into practice and build up a portfolio of experience which is vital in the industry. Tyree’s vision of striving to find a better way forwards connects with my aspirations for the future.”

Fellow scholarship winner Angus Williams, who is also studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) degree, says he has always had a passion for vehicles, engines and mechanics, with a particular interest in components that influence performance.

It was his passion for motorsport and a documentary of Formula 1 that that led him to study at UOW.  

“It was aspects within this video that shifted my career goals from doing a trade as a mechanic, to following a path to become a mechanical engineer,” he said.

Both scholars agree while the financial assistance of the scholarship will enable them to focus their attention on their studies it is the access to industry experience through the scholarship that is invaluable.

The scholarship holders will be provided with 10 weeks work experience within the Tyree Group of companies. The students will benefit from seeing engineering theory placed into practice in the design and manufacture of electrical equipment including electrical transformers, switchgear and substations.

Angus says the work integrated component was what attracted him to the Tyree scholarship.

“Experience within the workplace is a very important attribute to possess and is something that employers look for. This opportunity will allow me to expand my hands on knowledge, learn on the job and firsthand from Tyree Group employees, an unbelievable opportunity,” he said.

Samuel believes this real-world experience will be a great advantage to his career after he graduates.

“In engineering you can spend as much time as you like studying theory but it is being able to apply this theory to real world problems that counts.” he said.

The scholars receive first hand industrial experience in the Tyree factories along-side practising engineers, technical staff and experienced team members in a modern manufacturing environment.

“The scholars apply theoretical learnings, work hands on in a safe and capable facility and learn valuable team building skills for further work placement,” said Michael Stack, General Manager and Technical Lead, Tyree Transformers.

“The hands-on and applied engineering experience is highly valued by Australian industry. The scholars have the opportunity to continue in the industries served by Tyree or venture beyond and after the scholarships with the skills experienced.”

Scholarships are offered in the memory of the late Sir William Tyree founder of the Tyree Group and the Sir William Tyree Foundation.

Further information about the Scholarship is available from UOW’s website: https://scholarships.uow.edu.au/scholarships/search?scholarship=1521

About the Sir William Tyree Scholarships

The Sir William Tyree Scholarships for Engineering support high performing electrical and mechanical engineering students from regional and remote NSW and the ACT with financial assistance for the duration of their study program at the University of Wollongong. 

Sir William was the founder of the Tyree Group of companies and a leading Australian industrialist; upon his passing in 2013 Sir William left an enduring legacy through his foundation and business interests to support engineering education and research for the future prosperity of Australia. 

In addition to financial assistance of $15,000 per year, scholarship holders will be provided with work experience within the Tyree Group of companies where they will benefit from seeing engineering theory placed into practice in the design and manufacture of electrical equipment including electrical transformers, switchgear and substations.