Designing opportunity: VU & Intrax forge pathways for emerging engineers

The Borzillo family, proud Victoria University (VU) alumni, have maintained a longstanding relationship with VU through Intrax Consulting Engineers, supporting student awards and cadetships that open doors for aspiring engineers. This year, Barry Borzillo deepened that commitment through a three-year philanthropic partnership supporting high-achieving civil engineering students from underrepresented backgrounds. 

The partnership has created the Uniquely You Engineering Scholarship, proudly supported by Robert and Danny Borzillo in collaboration with Intrax Consulting Engineers. The scholarship provides $10,000 to a third-year Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) – Civil student from an underrepresented background, including First Nations, women in engineering, first-in-family, refugee or migrant, and rural or regional students. 

In addition to financial support, each recipient completes a six-month paid cadetship at Intrax, gaining real-world experience, mentoring, and professional development to help bridge the gap between study and industry. 

Barry says of the scholarship:

Seeing students like Thomas thrive reminds us exactly why we started this scholarship. He’s shown initiative, curiosity, and a genuine commitment to learning – the kind of qualities that make a great engineer. It’s rewarding to know the program is doing what it set out to do.

The inaugural scholarship recipient, Thomas Nguyen, recently commenced his cadetship at Intrax, an opportunity that has already transformed his university experience. Thomas recalls:

When I got the call confirming my placement, my mum was standing in the kitchen — she was ecstatic. I’d never seen her smile so big.

Since joining the team, Thomas has embraced the chance to learn CAD design, programming, and automation, describing the workplace as supportive and inclusive. “Everyone’s been so friendly; I felt comfortable right from the start,” he says. 

Thomas is supervised by Jacob Neil, a Victoria University engineering alumnus who now leads Intrax’s National Residential Team. Jacob says it’s rewarding to mentor emerging engineers, and it is an added layer of sentiment when they are from the same university that helped launch his own career. “It’s a full-circle moment,” he says. “Thomas brings great enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, qualities that reflect what VU stands for and what the industry needs.”

No longer working night shifts, Thomas says the scholarship has also improved his health, stability, and confidence. “I’m sleeping better and have more routine. It means I can focus on my studies, pay bills, and even buy new clothes for work – something I never used to do.” 

Now a role model for his younger sister and community, Thomas says the scholarship is helping him build a meaningful future. “It’s about giving students like me a path forward – a helping hand where our roots are.” 

The Uniquely You Engineering Scholarship is the first in a new suite of scholarships to be launched by Victoria University next year, designed to support students whose talent and resilience make them uniquely equipped to drive positive change in their fields. 

The Borzillo family’s legacy with VU continues through both this new partnership and the recognition of Robert Borzillo, co-founder of Intrax, who is the winner of the 2025 Victoria University Lifetime Achievement Alumni Award – a tribute to his enduring contribution to engineering and education. 

Through their generosity and commitment, the Borzillo family and Intrax Consulting Engineers are designing opportunity – and building pathways for the engineers of tomorrow.