More Queensland women could find themselves managing a team of workers on a construction site, tuning cars at a mechanics or helping to protect the Great Barrier Reef following the opening of the next round of the State Government’s Supporting Women Scholarships.
Visiting the Ekka, Premier Campbell Newman and Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek encouraged women of all ages and backgrounds to take the opportunity to move into male dominated industries.
Mr Newman said the Supporting Women Scholarships initiative delivered on an election commitment and was all part the government’s strong plan to get Queensland back on track.
“Every day this government’s focus is on creating jobs and opportunities for Queenslanders by growing a four pillar economy,” he said.
“We’re working hard to ensure Queenslanders have the right skills and training to get a job.
“The Supporting Women Scholarships initiative is part of our strong plan to address skills shortages and boost productivity so that Queensland can again become the nation’s leading economy.”
Mr Langbroek said the scholarships offered up to $20,000 for Queensland women to pursue study or training in industries that are traditionally male-dominated.
“Supporting Women Scholarships aim to increase the role of women in agricultural and environmental studies, architecture and building, engineering, earth sciences and information technology,” he said.
“Whether they are leaving school, returning to the workforce or changing careers, all women are encouraged to apply for the next round of the program.
“Queensland needs a highly skilled and motivated workforce to build a stronger economy, and increasing women’s participation rates across our workforce will help us achieve that goal.”
Mr Langbroek said since the program’s 2013 launch, 246 Queensland women have received more than $4 million to support their training or study Supporting Women Scholarships.
“Previous recipients acknowledge the part scholarships have played in helping achieve their ambitions and the third year of the program promises to help even more Queensland women.”
The Premier and the Minister were joined by previous recipients Fynn De Daunton, Taleta Bailey and Alexandra Thomson who have used the scholarship to support their studies in Agricultural Science.
“Receiving this scholarship has helped me take advantage of great opportunities while studying,” Ms De Daunton said.
“I was able to travel to Bundaberg over the summer and volunteer at the Mon Repo turtle centre, where I learnt key research skills that will help me later in my agricultural career.
“This scholarship also gave me the opportunity to live on campus for my first year of study at the University of Queensland Gatton campus, and to fully immerse myself in the culture and study of agriculture.
“Having this financial backing and therefore ability to take advantage of these opportunities has been invaluable.
“As a woman studying, and in the future, working in a male dominated industry, I think this scholarship is very important in recognising this discrepancy and encouraging women to study in the agricultural sector.”
More testimonials below.
Recipients are provided up to $5,000 each year (for full time study) for vocational education and training, undergraduate degrees and post graduate qualifications.
Applications for the 2015 academic year open from today (11 August 2014) until 10 October 2014.
For more information about the Supporting Women Scholarships program, visit www.supportingwomen.qld.gov.au