The right opportunity can set a young person’s career in motion, while the absence of one can bring it to a standstill.
Fletcher Tait had all the traits of an engineer — a deep curiosity about how things move, a knack for maths and a passion for problem-solving.
His future career choice first emerged at high school during work experience at an engineering company on Tasmania’s North-West Coast.
He soon enrolled in a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours at the University of Tasmania where he was awarded the prestigious Sir William Tyree Engineering Scholarship.
Established by the late Sir William Tyree, a revolutionary thinker, engineer and philanthropist, the scholarship has afforded Fletcher opportunities to learn, grow and network.
“The support I have received is amazing,” Fletcher said.
“The Tyree Foundation is investing in me, which makes me push myself harder and believe in myself.”
Sir William’s daughter Robyn Fennell said it brings her and her fellow Board Directors great joy to support students like Fletcher.
“It represents not only a way to honour my father’s values and vision but also a chance to make his life’s work endure in a tangible way,” Robyn said.
“Knowing that we’re making a difference — helping young people access opportunities, education and pathways they might not have otherwise, is deeply moving.
“It reminds me of the principles he lived by, generosity, perseverance and a commitment to educating our future generations.”
Recipients of the national scholarship program become part of a Scholars and Friends Network, visit the Tyree Group’s Mittagong manufacturing plant, and participate in a mentoring program.
“The program creates opportunities that otherwise would likely have been impossible,” she said.
The scholarship is enabling Fletcher to experience studying in Slovenia at the University of Ljubljana.
“I feel very lucky and thankful to the Tyree Foundation!”
Fletcher aims to pay it forward by mentoring young engineers in the future.
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