A Youth Scholarship fund has been established by South Coast Careers College in memory of Mark Ettridge, one of the college's regarded and respected trainers who passed away suddenly earlier this year.
Chief Executive Officer of South Coast Careers College, Sarah Watterson said of Mark ; "he worked with us, and a lot of local organisations, with local young people. "
"Once in a while people are blessed to walk for a time beside a person who makes a positive difference in their lives. One such person was Mark Ettridge.
"Mark was an advocate. An advocate of young people, of self-reflection, of life-long learning, of wisdom, of fairness and of growth. His life was dedicated to building a better future for young people and in having them realise the best about themselves.
"Mark made everyone feel important, he sought out positive characteristics to build a person’s confidence, and embedded strategies to enable better decision making and accountability.
Sarah said "His investment of time and patience made a significant difference to so many people; people who went on to break generational cycles of welfare dependency, of offending, of substance and alcohol abuse. People who truly found the best version of themselves after his intervention.
"Mark was taken from us suddenly; and as a friend and colleague, I know he was far from done. To continue his work and carry on his legacy is an honour and a gift. While he is completely irreplaceable, this scholarship fund will keep him active in the community of young people, the place where he found his greatest peace.
"Never to be forgotten, his big booming laugh and sparkly blue eyes will live on in our memory. His advocacy and assistance will live on through the College and through this fund."
Scholarship funds will be allocated to students who require financial relief to offset the basic costs associated with their wellbeing, education, training and employment.
Funding will be available throughout the year and will be accessible to those students who meet the eligibility requirements and whom a minimum of 3 Board Delegates determine should be recipients. Delegated authority can be confirmed electronically (by email) and is to be recorded. You can learn more about the Fund HERE
