A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR YOUNG AUSTRALIANS
Career and Skills Development Scholarship
Our Career and Skills Development Scholarship focuses on broadening student’s career horizons and training them in 21st Century skills vital to modern careers. Aspirational students in Years 9 and 10, with high potential yet facing financial barriers, will significantly benefit from this scholarship.
“I was able to successfully broaden my career horizons through this scholarship by exploring different careers which I had never thought of as options…I felt more open-minded to different industries and the hugely ranging careers within.”
– Aliya
Scholarship Overview
TThe Career and Skills Development Scholarship broadens students’ career horizons and trains them in 21st Century skills and job skills vital to modern careers. Students learn a lot in school, but it doesn’t cover every skill for work that modern employers look for. Additional time, assistance and resources are required to help students discover and explore the career options available and to which they are most aligned.
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Current research shows that young Australians could have up to 17 different jobs across 5 different careers in their lifetime!
We offer this scholarship to assist early discovery of career options and supplement your education with training in 21st Century skills and job skills. We call this future proofing.
Scholarship Inclusions
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In-person training workshops in highly valued and transferrable 21st Century and job skills – providing students with the opportunity to learn the theory behind these skills for work and then practically apply them in various situations
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Regular one-on-one and group interactions with our trained Career Coaches – where students discover and explore their innate strengths, skills on a job, values and personality types, and how they may be aligned to various careers
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‘Career sampling’ interactions with industry professionals – providing the opportunity to learn more about various career paths and gain valuable insights
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On-site industry excursions – where students can speak with employees, observe real life applications of skills on a job, and immerse themselves in various work environments
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Q&A session with tertiary students – to discuss various aspects of tertiary life from current tertiary students supported by our charity who have come from similar backgrounds
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Access to job preparation tools and resources – with guidance on how to use them
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Study skills training – to help develop different memory and learning techniques, manage distractions, break down tasks and prepare for exams
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Up to $1,000 yearly – to help fund items that advance educational and career goals
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Self development – opportunities to learn and grow
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The opportunity to work with peers holding similar aspirations
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Why develop 21st Century skills?
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One of the most common and important questions we hear is:
"What are the best job skills to learn in Year 9 and 10?"
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The answer? 21st Century skills—they are the tools young people need to thrive in an ever-changing world of work. These skills for work enhance career mobility, broaden future job options, and are highly valued by employers.
While many students have a basic understanding of these abilities, it takes dedicated time and support to fully develop and confidently apply them on the job. That’s where our workshops come in.
We help students strengthen essential job skills, including:
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Communication
Collaboration
Creativity
Leadership
Flexibility and adaptability
Critical thinking and problem solving
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These skills don’t just prepare students for one job—they prepare them for many.
"Once I entered this scholarship, I realised how I needed to be more open to new ideas and refrain from fitting myself
into this perfect box!"
- Lisa
Additional Information
Who is eligible for assistance?
To be eligible for this scholarship, we require evidence of:
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Aspiration
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Necessitous circumstances
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High potential
What are the student's responsibilities?
Students will need to commit approximately 45 hours to the scholarship each year (including after school and during school holidays). They will be expected to actively participate in all components of the scholarship, including:
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Attending in-person and online training workshops
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Having regular online meetings with our Career Coaches
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Completing activities in a timely manner
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How long does the scholarship last?
The scholarship is for students in Years 9 and 10, and is offered on a yearly basis.
Is the program online or in person?
The program is a combination of online and in person. In person components include 21st Century skills training workshops, study skills training and on-site industry excursions. Online components include Career Coaching sessions and career sampling with industry professionals.
How do you ensure the privacy and safety of participants?
A Start in Life respects and is committed to protecting your privacy and your personal information. For a full copy of our Privacy Policy, please refer to www.astartinlife.org.au/privacy-policy.
A Start in Life is committed to creating and maintaining an environment that promotes the safety of all children and young people participating in our programs. For a full copy of our Statement of Commitment to Child Safety, please refer to www.astartinlife.org.au/child-safety.
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To find out more about the program, please refer to our Scholarship Booklet here.
How To Apply
Scholarship intakes occur yearly (generally in October). Please email studentassist@astartinlife.org.au to express your interest in applying.
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If you have any questions, please contact us on studentassist@astartinlife.org.au or (02) 9264 3017.​
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