Almost 40 TAFE NSW students from the Hunter and Central Coast were recently rewarded with more than $36,000 worth of scholarships and awards.
Beneficiaries included pupils from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Upper Hunter and Central Coast LGAs, across a wide range of industry areas such as Information Technology, Early Childhood, Aviation, Electrotechnology, Accounting, Health, Hospitality, Music, Fine Arts, Real Estate and Screen and Media.
The recipients were recognised by the Hunter TAFE Foundation for their achievements, resilience and commitment to further education.
“Unfortunately, the cost-of-living crisis is continuing to have a detrimental effect on TAFE NSW students,” president Karen Howard said.
“The choice to study requires sacrifices for many of them, in the form of giving up hours of employment and childcare as well as travel costs, and further expenses associated with studying.
“Now more than ever, assistance from the Hunter TAFE Foundation is making a significant difference to a pupil’s life and career journey.
“The support from our generous and loyal donors makes all this possible.
“It enables the Hunter TAFE Foundation to continue to help students from a diverse range of backgrounds to successfully complete their studies, enter the workforce or enhance their career pathways.”
The semester one scholarships and awards were presented at TAFE NSW Kurri Kurri to those studying a range of courses from Certificates to Higher Education qualifications.
“We’re committed to meeting the skills needs of industry and communities by training the workforce of the future,” TAFE NSW executive director Jason Darney said.
“Current financial pressures mean choosing to study, upskill or retrain is a difficult decision for some as they juggle study commitments with monetary commitments.
“The Hunter TAFE Foundation is helping to alleviate that by supporting pupils to ensure they can reach their full potential.”
TVET student Hayley Corrigan agreed.
She’s studying Certificate II in Electrotechnology at TAFE NSW Newcastle.
Ms Corrigan received the inaugural Varley TVET Scholarship, which offers aid to female pupils in non-traditional industry areas.
“My future career goal is to fulfill my passion as an industrial electrician,” she said.
“I’ve always had an interest with power and creating projects… and I’m excited to complete my studies to pursue my passion in the electrical field.
“Through the support of the scholarship, I can spend more time on my studies and buy electrical tools and equipment that I currently don’t have.”
Established in 2000, the Hunter TAFE Foundation has a rich history in the region, having evolved from the Newcastle Technical and Further Education Committee Trust Fund, which received its first donation in 1936 to provide skills for employment.
Fast forward to today, the not-for-profit organisation provides financial support to TAFE NSW students in the Hunter and Central Coast who are experiencing either personal or financial hardship, assisting them in completing their studies.
“In 2022/23, the foundation awarded a total value of $81,564 in scholarships and awards to 69 worthy recipients,” Ms Howard said.
“We look forward to growing this support to TAFE learners together with our partners.”
For more community stories:
- New mural adds splash of colour to Newy’s CBD
- Vision for Bathers Way project unveiled
- Wanted: Westlakes Senior Swing Band seeks new members
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
