The Hunter TAFE Foundation has distributed more than $34,500 in student scholarships and awards during its Semester One presentation event at TAFE NSW Kurri Kurri. The allocations bring the foundation’s total capital investment in regional student financing to over $70,000 for the current financial year, targeting trade skills acquisition and workforce readiness across the Hunter and Central Coast.
A total of 39 vocational students were recognised across diverse industrial sectors, including electrotechnology, aviation, pathology, hospitality, maritime operations, and early childhood education. The financial backing is structurally aimed at reducing student attrition rates driven by material and living cost barriers during technical training cycles.
President of the Hunter TAFE Foundation, Karen Howard said philanthropic donor funding acts as an economic bridge for regional students entering the local labor market.
“Behind every scholarship is a story of courage and determination,” Karen said. “These students are making bold choices to invest in their future, and our donors are helping to remove barriers and open doors. Their generosity is not only changing lives, it is also strengthening our communities.”
The regional scholarship framework is designed to align with broader state workforce demands by supporting individuals completing targeted diplomas and certifications within industries experiencing acute skill shortages.
Executive Director of Student and Campus Services at TAFE NSW, Hugh Greenough noted that corporate and foundation endowments provide critical baseline stability that protects student retention.
“TAFE NSW is proud to support the Hunter TAFE Foundation in giving a hand up to these deserving students,” Hugh said. “For many, a scholarship can be the difference between completing their studies and having to step away. It’s more than financial support, it’s an investment in their potential, helping students to stay on track and gain the skills they need to achieve their study and career goals.”
Among the specialised allocations presented at the Kurri Kurri campus was the Kay Peno Encouragement Award, a donor fund established to support female workforce entry and leadership paths within technical fields.
The 2026 award was secured by Michelle Higgins, an advanced counseling student currently completing her diploma qualifications at TAFE NSW Glendale.
“Receiving the Kay Peno Encouragement Award is both deeply affirming and empowering, recognising a long journey of perseverance and growth where my challenges have ultimately become strengths,” Michelle said.
“This recognition not only builds my confidence to continue my studies in counselling but also inspires me to encourage others to believe in themselves and take the next step in their own learning journey.”
IMAGE | Hunter TAFE Foundation deploys $70,000 in vocational training scholarships
