Ivan Wood HR Scholarship

The Next Step has created and established the Ivan Wood Scholarship in conjunction with the University of Western Sydney. The Scholarship is offered on an annual basis in memory of Mr Ivan Wood, a dedicated HR Professional. He was someone that personified the modern business-oriented HR professional and was deservedly successful in his career.

Traditionally the scholarship has provided work experience and financial assistance and previous winners have had a successful start to their HR careers. In 2009 The Next Step redesigned the scholarship to better match the challenges that HR graduates face in securing worthwhile professional employment. An innovative, 12-month program is now offered to a larger number of students who are provided with professional development, networking opportunities, career advice and resume guidance, mentoring, work experience and access to high calibre companies and leading HR practitioners. The focus of the program is "job readiness", and under the new structure The Next Step can assist more HR graduates accelerate their careers. Currently, four 3rd year students are benefiting from the program with the assistance and involvement of client companies and their HR Leaders.

To find out more visit www.uws.edu.au/scholarships/find_a_scholarship/ug_scholarships and click on The Next Step Ivan Wood Scholarship.

In 2009, the redesigned Ivan Wood Scholarship was won by Andrew Taing, Lisa and Erin De Permentier and Jacob Cunningham.

Andrew has an inspiring story to tell. After completing high school he completed an apprenticeship as an Auto Mechanic and thoroughly enjoyed training and mentoring the young apprentices, which ultimately led to his decision to study HR. He has put himself through University and has now been identified as a high-potential student by the Associate Head and School of Management. Andrew is currently completing voluntary work with The Smith Family.

Lisa and Erin's enthusiasm for HR is impressive, as are their academic achievements. Both received outstanding UAI's and their grade point averages to date are 6.65 and 6.45 respectively. They are both members of the Golden Key International Honour Society and for the first time in the history of the University, the Dean's Scholarship, which is normally issued to one student, was awarded to both. In addition to this both Lisa and Erin are currently volunteering their time for Chasing Rainbows Australia: St Patricks Primary School in Blacktown.

Jacob is an extremely bright and intelligent young man, demonstrated by his current grade point average of 5.5. As part of the selection process for the scholarship, we asked all applicants to respond to a number of HR questions and his responses demonstrated a maturity and knowledge beyond his years. Jacob has demonstrated a commitment to the community as he is currently completing volunteer work within the Westmead Cancer Care Centre at Westmead Hospital.

We look forward to seeing these aspiring HR professional develop throughout the12 month program and securing worthwhile professional employment upon completion.

In 2008 the Ivan Wood Scholarship was won by Zoe Yiannoulli. Following her her final year at university we are pleased to announce that Zoe was offered a place in the QBE graduate program as a Graduate - Human Resources Business Partner.

Her role will be to support the achievement of HR objectives by providing pro-active provision of HR support to business units. She'll partner with the business to initiate and implement people strategies to support the future direction and operation of business units.

Additionally, she'll promote and model the QBE Essential Behaviours to support the QBE culture, business performance and employment brand, and will actively participate in HR and business initiated projects. Zoe has been assigned to the Strategy & Technology client group, and she'll undertake rotations in Learning & Organisational Effectiveness, HR Services & Remuneration and International Reward. Upon completion of the program after 18 months, Zoe will be a Human Resources Business Partner.

In 2007 the inaugural winner of the Ivan Wood HR Scholarship was Lisa Arkell. Lisa undertook paid work experience with Deloitte, a top tier Professional Services firm, during her mid term break and was offered a full time position at the completion of her studies.

Lisa is continuing her career with Deloitte as a People and Performance Consultant, and has been an outstanding success. Here she plays a key advisory role implementing the People & Performance Strategy within her portfolio of internal clients, providing balanced and considered consultancy to the business and ensuring smooth and efficient delivery of solutions. This includes managing Employee Relations matters, Change Management programs, OHS & Return to Work programs, The Annual Performance & Remuneration Review and drawing on her own personal experience in participating in Graduate Recruitment activities.

Lisa has led some exciting new projects including; the development and project roll out of an Employee Reward & Recognition program, Implementation & Coaching of Managers on Deloitte's new Performance Management System, roll out of the Employee Engagement Survey and putting in place Engagement & Talent Management programs. Lisa has cemented an excellent grounding and looks forward to continuing to develop her career with Deloitte.

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