Four young Queenslanders, including a fashion designer, cook, baker and construction worker, were awarded prestigious trade scholarships recently by the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley, AC, at a ceremony at Parliament House.
These winners will be given the exciting opportunity to live and work overseas in a country of their choice for up to two years through the Queensland Overseas Foundation (QOF) scholarship valued at up to $7500 each. Queensland Overseas Foundation Chair Rebecca Hall said the scholarship would benefit Queensland industries in the long term.
“Since 1976 we have helped over 105 Queenslanders pursue their dream of working overseas knowing they will bring their skills back home and offer considerable benefit to our industries,” Ms Hall said.
“Some of our previous winners include Megan Todd who has successfully started her own handbag label Knots and Knits since returning and also Leo Primus whose overseas experience helped him contribute to Queensland construction as a Development Manager at AV Jennings.
“This is an invaluable opportunity for the scholarship recipients but also for the communities they return to.”
The scholarship awardees for 2014 include:
- Ms Claire Goldsworthy Fashion Design (Sarina Russo)
- Mr Richard Pascoe Commercial Cookery – Chef (Southbank Institute of TAFE)
- Ms Rhiannon Pittard Pastry Chef (Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE)
- Mr Mostyn Higgs Construction (Skills Tech Cert III Carpentry)
QOF has also announced a new bursary offering in 2014 that provides trainers, employers, employees and administrators within the VET sector with funding of between $500 to $2,000 to attend recognised international courses, workshops, work placement, events or activities with professional developmental benefits.
Young trainees and tradies are invited to apply for the exciting opportunity to live and work overseas in a country of their choice for up to two years through the Queensland Overseas Foundation (QOF) scholarship valued at up to $7500 each. These Scholarships are aimed at offering the State’s brightest and best with the opportunity of testing their career skills overseas with the goal of bringing the best global practices back to Queensland.
To be eligible, you must be a Queensland resident aged 18-30 years, have gained relevant work experience and completed one of the following qualifications in the past five years:
- an apprenticeship or traineeship (Certificate III or above)
- a vocational Certificate IV or above.
You can register your interest in applying for the next round of scholarships and bursaries by sending an enquiry email to info@qof.org.au or applying online via www.qof.org.au The QOF has provided annual scholarships to high achieving Queenslanders for almost 30 years. What are you waiting for – apply now for your chance of a career experience of a lifetime.
The QOF is a voluntary, non-profit organisation that is sponsored by a range of industry training sponsors including ACPET, BUSY At Work and Construction Skills Queensland and supported by the Queensland Government through the Department of Education, Training and Employment.
