Applications Open for Trevor Drayton Scholarship

Applications are now open for a scholarship named in honour of fifth generation winemaker and member of one Australia’s pioneering wine families, Trevor Drayton.

The Trevor Drayton Scholarship, awarded by the Hunter TAFE Foundation, is comprised of three scholarships – culinary, hospitality and winemaking – and is open to current and recent Hunter TAFE students who demonstrate a genuine and active interest in advancing their career in the wine or hospitality industry.

The scholarship was established by a group of friends and associates of the renowned Hunter winemaker who was tragically killed in 2008. Local restaurateur Scott Webster remains a driving force behind the fundraising and scholarship scheme established to honour the memory of his good friend.

“Trevor was an industry icon who carried on his family’s winemaking tradition with dignity. The Trevor Drayton Scholarship was created to assist someone starting out in the industry to pursue the same level of excellence that Trevor embodied,” Mr Webster said.

The 2016 Trevor Drayton Scholarship marks the third time the scholarship has been awarded and the first time the scholarship has come under the Hunter TAFE Foundation’s auspices.

“It is fitting that Hunter TAFE Foundation is administering the award. We hope to be able to increase the exposure of the scholarship by giving students and recent graduates direct access through the quality award system managed by the Foundation,” Mr Webster said.

Inaugural scholarship recipient and Hunter TAFE alumnus, Rebecca Good, used the scholarship to travel to Singapore, where she was given the opportunity to undertake work experience at one of Singapore’s most famous 4 ½  star restaurants.

Rebecca said the experience opened doors for her. “After having the opportunity to travel to Singapore, I was offered the role of restaurant supervisor at one of the Hunter Valley’s leading restaurants. I worked for six months as a restaurant supervisor before I was promoted to venue manager,” she said.

Each scholarship is valued at $2,500 and is provided to the winners through the purchases of resources, experiences and opportunities. To be eligible to apply applicants must be enrolled or have completed training within the last five years at Hunter TAFE in the areas of hospitality, culinary skills or winemaking.  

To apply go to ‘Scholarships’ at www.hunter.tafensw.edu.au.