General News
29 August, 2025
Scholarship helps Carly pursue nursing dream
Warracknabeal student Carly Hartnett has been named as one of seven inaugural James N. Kirby Foundation-CEF VET Scholars.
The seven individuals, coming from different communities across NSW, VIC, and SA, have each been awarded a $3000 scholarship to pursue training in high-demand skills areas, including agricultural mechanics, mobile plant technology, individual support, and animal studies.
This announcement coincides with National Skills Week 2025; each scholar embodies the spirit of the week: practical, passionate and ready to make a difference.
Ms Harnett, who is undertaking a Certificate III in Individual Support, is grateful for receiving the scholarship and how it will help her achieve her goals.
"I am so thankful for the scholarship," she said.
"The money will be used for travel expenses for on-campus classes and work placements, to purchase textbooks, 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."
The scholarships support vocational education and training students and celebrate the importance of VET for rural and regional communities.
With more than 90% of job growth in the next decade requiring a post-school qualification, 43% of those have VET study as the primary pathway.
The Skills Priority List 2023 shows that technical and trade fields have some of the highest job shortages, particularly in regional and remote areas.
Chair of CEF Warracknabeal & District, Chris Hewitt, said supporting VET students is critical for the longevity of regional communities.
“Skills-based education is the backbone of thriving regional economies," Mr Hewitt said.
“By supporting students like Carly, we're not just investing in their future, but in the future of regional communities."
With National Skills Week highlighting the vital role VET plays in addressing workforce shortages and empowering young Australians, CEF encouraged students pursuing apprenticeships, traineeships, and other VET pathways in 2026 to apply for financial support.
"If you're aged between 16-25, studying VET in 2026, and living or went to school in the region covered by CEF Warracknabeal & District, a CEF grant could help cover essential costs like tools, fuel, textbooks and other training resources," Hr Hewiit said.
Applications for CEF Warracknabeal & District are now open and close on October 31.
For more information, please visit www.cef.org.au or phone (02) 6362 3162.