The Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF) is proud to mark National Skills Week 2025 by announcing seven inaugural James N. Kirby Foundation-CEF VET Scholars; new scholarships to support vocational education and training (VET) students and celebrate the importance of VET for rural and regional communities.
With more than 90% of jobs growth in the next decade requiring a post-school qualification, 43% of those have VET study as the primary pathway (Jobs & Skills Employment Predictions).
The Skills Priority List (SPL) 2023 shows that technical and trade fields have some of the highest job shortages, particularly in regional and remote areas.
CEF CEO, Wendy Mason, says supporting VET students is critical for the longevity of regional communities.
”Skills-based education is the backbone of thriving regional economies.
Wendy MasonCEO | Country Education Foundation
By supporting these students, we’re not just investing in their futures, but in the future of regional communities.
The seven individuals – coming from different communities from across NSW, VIC and SA – have each been awarded a $3,000 scholarship to pursue training in high-demand skills areas including agricultural mechanics, mobile plant technology, individual support and animal studies.
Each scholar embodies the spirit of National Skills Week: practical, passionate and ready to make a difference.
The inaugural recipients of the James N. Kirby Foundation-CEF VET scholarships are:
Carly Hartnett | CEF Warracknabeal | Certificate III in Individual Support
Christopher Bean | Hastings Education Fund | Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care
Harrison Forde | CEF Grenfell | Mobile Plant Technology 3
Trae Lovering | CEF Kangaroo Island | Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology
Lillian May Smith | CEF Cowra | Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance)
Claire Miller | CEF Orange & Districts | Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology
Telisha Lawton Weir | CEF Yass Valley | Certificate III in Animal Studies
The scholarship recipients said this funding was going to make a real difference in their studies and training.
”Thanks to this support, I’ve been able to get the essential tools I need for my trade. Having the right gear means I can do my job well and keep learning new skills. This support has made a real difference to my training now and will continue to help me as I move forward in my career.
HarrisonCEF Grenfell | Mobile Plant Technology 3
”I am deeply grateful for this scholarship as it significantly contributes to my accommodation costs on campus. This support enables me to assist at the onsite Doggy Daycare, where I can apply the skills and knowledge I gain in class.
TelishaCEF Yass Valley | Certificate III in Animal Studies
”CEF has been with me from the very start of my vocational journey. The first grant I received helped me buy my dance shoes, which felt like such a big step towards chasing my dream. It’s taken a lot of financial pressure off, especially living so far away from home and has given me the chance to keep pushing forward and take on new opportunities I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.
LillianCEF Cowra | Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance)
”I’m so thankful for the scholarship. The money will be used for travel expenses for on-campus classes and work placements, to purchase textbooks and uniforms and set up a workspace at home. I’m excited to finish my Certificate III in Individual Support in November and start my Diploma of Nursing next year. The scholarship will help me achieve my goals and finish my studies.
CarlyCEF Warracknabeal | Certificate III in Individual Support
With National Skills Week spotlighting the vital role VET plays in tackling workforce shortages and empowering young Australians, CEF encourages students pursuing apprenticeships, traineeships and other VET pathways in 2026 to apply for financial support.
“This year, CEF is supporting 115 students undertaking vocational education and training – many of whom face similar financial pressures as university students,” Ms Mason says.
“If you’re aged between 16-25, studying VET in 2026, and living within one of the areas covered by our 49 local foundations, a CEF grant could help cover essential costs like tools, fuel, textbooks and other training resources.”
Apply for a 2026 local grant today!
Check the closing date for your local foundation before applying.
