FOR many thousands of university students across Australia, this week heralds a new term of learning.
However, Mount Gambier’s Todd Reid and Taylah Martin are not starting university in a lecture theatre, but in the hustling and bustling workplace.
For the past few years, OneFortyOne (OFO) has offered scholarships for students studying forestry science.
Among the latest recipients, former Grant High School student Ms Martin has started working with the OFO forests team while studying for her degree.
“I am really passionate about the environment and the future of our planet,” she said.
“I wanted to work in this field but I did not think about a university degree until I saw the OFO scholarship.”
Former Mount Gambier High School student Mr Reid said he felt the same and was grateful to be placed in the OFO Business Cadetship program.
Working at the Jubilee Highway Sawmill, Mr Reid will learn all aspects of business in one of Australia’s biggest timber mills while studying a commerce degree locally at the Mount Gambier University of South Australia campus.
“I always knew I wanted to go to university, but I did not want to move away,” he said.
The cadetship was a really exciting way to stay local and start my career.
“I can take what I learn in the classroom and see how it happens in the real world, in real time with a big business.”
OFO head of finance Darren Sims was the driving force behind the OFO Business Cadetship Program.
Darren started his own finance career nearly 30 years ago as a trainee, studying for his degree while working in a Mount Gambier mill.
“I think the forests and timber industry is the best in the world,” he said.
“It is one of the planet’s ultimate renewable industries.
“At OFO it is important for us to invest in this region’s future leaders as they bring a young, vibrant, innovative minds to our team and add real value.”
Both Ms Martin and Mr Reid said a career in forestry and timber had exceeded their expectations.
The pair said the industry was “modern and high-tech”involving the use of drones in the forest and specialised computer technology in the mill.
“I wish everyone knew how cool this industry is,” Ms Martin said.
“We do more than plant trees and stack timber.
“We are at the forefront of science and technology and we also help save the planet too.”
