The Hunter TAFE Foundation semester one presentation was held on 19 June 2024, announcing 39 deserving TAFE NSW students across the Hunter and Central Coast regions who received over $36,000 worth of scholarships and awards.
President of the Hunter TAFE Foundation, Karen Howard said that the cause is a great financial help.
“The cost-of-living crisis is continuing to have a detrimental effect on TAFE NSW students. The choice to study requires sacrifices for many students, 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, the support from the Foundation is making a significant difference to a student’s life and career journey,” Karen said.
“The support from our generous and loyal donors makes all of this possible and enables the Hunter TAFE Foundation to continue to assist students from a diverse range of backgrounds to successfully complete their studies, enter the workforce or enhance their career pathways.”
Beneficiaries of the scholarships included students from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Upper Hunter and Central Coast local government areas, 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.
TAFE NSW Executive Director, Jason Darney shared his thoughts on the outcome of the initiative.
“TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the skills needs of industry and communities by training the workforce of the future,” Jason said.
“Cost of living pressures has meant choosing to study, upskill or retrain is a difficult decision for some as they juggle study commitments with financial commitments. The Hunter TAFE Foundation is helping to alleviate this pressure by supporting students to ensure they can reach their full potential,” Jason said.
The Semester 1, 2024 Hunter TAFE Foundation scholarships and awards were presented on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, at TAFE NSW Kurri Kurri to students studying a range of courses from certificates to higher education qualifications. The recipients were recognised by the Hunter TAFE Foundation for their achievements, resilience and commitment to further education.
TVET student, Hayley Corrigan, is currently studying Certificate II in Electrotechnology at TAFE NSW Newcastle. Hayley received the inaugural Varley TVET Scholarship that provides support and encouragement to female students in non-traditional industry areas.
“My future career goal is to fulfill my passion as an industrial electrician. I have always had an interest in power and creating projects, and I am 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,” Hayley said.
The Hunter TAFE Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation working with business, education, and community leaders to support education and training at TAFE NSW in the Hunter and Central Coast region.
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 Foundation 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 and we look forward to growing this support to TAFE learners together with our partners.
For further information please contact Karen Howard on 0413123258.
IMAGE | 2024 Award and Scholarship Winners.
