Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education to employment scheme
Scheme overview
The scheme aims to help promising and motivated Indigenous youths living in Queensland be what they want to be—by investing in their careers and their future. The program encourages completion of secondary education from Year 10 through to Year 12. It also encourages students to progress onto tertiary education, further training and/or employment.
Every year, Main Roads and Queensland Transport offer a number of Year 9 students (at year of application lodgement) of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, who intend to progress onto Years 10, 11 and 12, the opportunity to participate in the scheme by providing:
- financial assistance
- possible work experience and paid vocational employment
- Main Roads and Queensland Transport mentors
- the possibility of obtaining a traineeship, apprenticeship or Indigenous cadetship.
In 2006, 84 scholarships were awarded across 17 state and commonwealth government departments and agencies. 15 scholarships were awarded by Main Roads and five by Queensland Transport.
The scheme encourages participation from remote, rural and coastal regions of Queensland.
Statements from previous scholarship winners
"The impact has been both far reaching and complimentary for myself, my family and my community."
"It has set an example at home, to other kids, that there are opportunities and support available out there."
"I commend the Department of Main Roads and Queensland Transport for having introduced such a scholarship as it has helped me towards achieving my goals and will steer me towards a better future."
Last updated: 21 July 2009
