Creative trades clean up in 2011 Queensland Overseas Foundation Scholarships
Five young Queenslanders, including a jeweller, make-up artist, electrician and two fashion designers, were awarded prestigious trade scholarships on Tuesday, 14th February, by the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley, AC.
The winners will be given the opportunity to live and work overseas in a country of their choice for up to two years when they are awarded a Queensland Overseas Foundation scholarship valued at up to $7000 each.
The Queensland Overseas Foundation is a voluntary, non-profit organisation that has provided annual scholarships to high achieving Queenslanders for the past 28 years with the goal of bringing the best global practices back to Queensland industries.
Of the five awardees this year, four came from creative trades.
Skills Minister Stirling Hinchliffe congratulated the winners and acknowledged the importance of developing skills abroad.
“Queensland leads the way in vocational education and the high-quality of this year’s QOF scholarship winners is testament to this,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“Our five scholarship recipients embody the incredible talent and drive our young Queenslanders have, and will undoubtedly continue to grow professionally and personally over the course of their travel.
“They will not only be students and workers on their journey, but they will also be ambassadors for Queensland’s world-class vocational education system.”
Scholarship winner and fashion designer Caitlyn Paustian, 23, Brisbane, said the opportunity to work in Paris would develop herself both personally and professionally.
“The benefits of working in Paris include learning a different language, meeting new contacts in the fashion world, making new friends, learning skills connected to the fashion industry and gaining experience that will enhance my resume,” she said.
“In this day and age, employees prefer applicants who can bring a different experience to the table.”
Queensland Overseas Foundation Chair Rebecca Hall said Australia could not afford for graduates to ignore an international career perspective.
“There is much to be gained for our industries by exposing tradespeople to the best possible global practices,” Ms Hall said.
Simon Ryan – 2011 Award Winner
Age: 23 years
Trade: Electrotechnology Systems Electrician
Simon was raised on a farm and commenced his secondary education at Allora State High School (about half between Warwick and Toowoomba) and completed his secondary school studies at Downlands Sacred Heart College at Toowoomba.
In 2006, Simon commenced his apprenticeship as an Apprentice Systems Electrician with Ergon Energy at Toowoomba and completed his qualification as a Electrotechnology Systems Electrician.
He has since been promoted as a team leader in the construction and maintenance of High Voltage installations. This work involves working in isolated locations for extended periods of time requiring leadership skills and mentoring of apprentices under his control.
Simon intends to study for his Associate Diploma in Electrical Engineering to further his career in the electrical industry on his return to Australia.
While overseas, Simon would like to gain additional experience in high voltage technology, possibly in the United Kingdom or Europe.
Part time interests include playing rugby league, coaching younger players and competing in the annual charity run from Peak 2 Peak. When time permits, Simon does renovation work on his recently purchased home at Toowoomba.
Application Information
Applications for the Queensland Overseas Foundation’s 2012 scholarships are now open.
Closing date for applications is 31 October 2012. Click here to download an application form.