Every Queenslander deserves the opportunity to create a better future through education and training, and that's why TAFE Queensland is awarding up to 100 scholarships to Queenslanders looking to change their lives and build lifelong careers.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said applications for the scholarships open today, with recipients receiving up to $5,000 to study any TAFE Queensland qualification from a certificate III through to advanced diplomas and bachelor's degrees.
"The Palaszczuk Government's COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan puts a focus on investing in skills, and with over $1 billion for training and skills in the recent state budget we are taking that commitment seriously," Minister Farmer said.
"These scholarships are another opportunity for Queenslanders to take courses that will lead to real, rewarding jobs in a wide range of industries.
"TAFE Queensland offers qualifications in all industry areas and delivers training throughout the state.
"Thanks to the Palaszczuk Government's $100 million Equipping TAFE for the Future program, the facilities that students are learning in are better than ever too."
The scholarships will help cover the costs of course fees, text books, and living expenses.
"We know the power vocational education has to change people's lives and we want to help people fulfil their career potential regardless of their circumstances," Minister Farmer said.
"There are two types of scholarships available. Merit Scholarships are aimed at supporting people who have demonstrated strong levels of achievement to advance their careers, and Access and Equity Scholarships designed to help students who are battling social or financial hardship."
The TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program first launched in 2015. Since then it has helped more than 390 Queenslanders pursue their career goals thanks to more than $1.8million of support.
Holly Maloney is studying a double Diploma of Building Design and Diploma of Interior Design at TAFE Queensland's South Bank Campus and was awarded a TAFE Queensland Scholarship in 2020.
"Studying at TAFE Queensland is amazing and so much more engaging than school. I'm learning drawing, hand rendering and making floor plans in a hands-on environment around people who are just as passionate as me," Ms Maloney said.
"I am very grateful for my scholarship, and used it to buy a laptop to run technical drawing software so I can study from anywhere."
TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Mary Campbell, said this year RACQ and CPL have partnered with the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program to support Queenslanders to receive access to training.
"RACQ have come on-board to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who wish to study in the Townsville region, while CPL have provided funding for scholarships under the Access and Equity category for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with a disability," Mrs Campbell said.
With an average of 600 applications received each year, Mrs Campbell said she encourages anyone looking to start their career or make a career change to apply now.
"Whether you're leaving school, considering a career change or looking to upskill, all Queenslanders are urged to apply."
Applications for a TAFE Queensland scholarship to commence study in semester one, 2022 open on 12 July and close on 24 September 2021.
