Endeavour Foundation and Arrow Energy award trainee scholarships

Dominic Dorante has worked hard to get on the path to employment and he can’t wait to start his new traineeship at Taylored Automotive in Dysart.

The 17-year-old Dysart State High School Student is one of just two young people in the region to win a trainee scholarship under Endeavour Foundation and Arrow Energy’s new scheme aimed at engaging local businesses to provide training opportunities to young people with a disability.

The scholarships, offered over a 12 month period and funded by Arrow Energy’s Brighter Futures community investment program will combine training and employment, delivering a nationally recognised qualification for recipients.

Mr Dorante will become a fully qualified Tyre Fitter with a Certificate II in Automotive Tyre Servicing Technology thanks to the training and experience he will receive at Taylored Automotive.

“I'm very grateful – I know that I'm a lucky one,” said Mr Dorante, “This is a great opportunity that not everyone gets the chance to have.

“[It will] give me a kick-start in the industry, maybe lead to future employment and I look forward to working in the industry and workshop and being part of a team.

“I'd love to end up in the mining industry like my Dad and family members.”

Endeavour Foundation CEO Andrew Donne said businesses benefit when they become more inclusive.

“Through these scholarships, we hope to provide a pathway to meaningful employment for young people in the Isaac and Western Downs regions,” Mr Donne said.

“The unemployment rate for people with a disability is double the national average so it’s vital that organisations like Endeavour Foundation work alongside businesses to break down the barriers to employment that people with a disability face.”

The second scholarship winner, Moranbah State High School student Darcy Hamelink, will begin his traineeship at Moranbah Discount Tyre & Mechanical this month.

Local Group Training Organisation, MRAEL, will work in conjunction with Arrow Energy and Endeavour Foundation to deliver the scholarship program.

Arrow Energy has been a partner of Endeavour Foundation since 2012.

Endeavour Foundation supports more than 4000 people with a disability in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales at home, at work and in the community.