Potential funding opportunities in NSW 

 

Each of the opportunities listed below have conditions applicants need to comply with. There may also be time limits on availability, a limited number of successful applicants or other restrictions which determine whether an application is successful.  

 

·         The Port Authority of New South Wales offers a Deck Cadet Sponsorship Program. Cadets are placed on merchant ships to gain sea time and receive guidance from a mentor. They receive a salary and after 18 months of Sea Time they can undertake further studies to qualify as a Deck Watchkeeper.[1]

·         The NSW Smart & Skilled program provides subsidised training and subsidised traineeships to trainees in NSW who begin Certificate I-III and Certificate IV  qualifications. [2] Subsidised courses must be on NSW Skills List which includes Cert II-Certificate IV in Maritime operations, Diploma of Maritime Operations and Diploma of Marine Engineering.[3]

·         The Ranks to Recognition program is open to current and former members of the Australian Defence Force who want to transition into civilian employment by recognising the skills and experience they gained during their military service. It provides fee-free training under the Smart & Skilled program,[4] including maritime courses, and eligibility criteria apply.

·         Eligible students living with a disability (and their dependents) do not need to pay fees for any Smart and Skilled training. They are also eligible for reasonable adjustment to training so they can fully participate. [5] 

·         Refugees and asylum seekers, including eligible partners of humanitarian visa holders may also be eligible for fee-free training.[6]

·         The Vocational Training Assistance Scheme (VTAS) is not specific to maritime trainees. It assists eligible applicants with the cost of travel and accommodation if they travel more than 110km to attend either day training or block release training with their training provider. The funding is calculated at 52c per km travelled and $70 per night for accommodation.[7]

·         The Barranggirra program offers culturally appropriate mentoring and end-to-end support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners in NSW. [8] The program includes post-training outcomes to link First Nations trainees with employment opportunities. Eligibility requirements include undertaking a Smart and Skilled Program traineeship, or part or full qualification. Trainees must also have a TCID (training contract ID) or CID (commitment ID). The program is not specific to the maritime sector. 

·         Trainees and TAFE students can apply for a Transport Concession Entitlement Card.[9]

 

Potential funding opportunities for trainees and employees across Australia 

 

Maritime scholarships and traineeships

·         Maritime Employees Training Limited (METL) offers 24-month Integrated Ratings traineeships for training and sea time. Trainees are selected on merit and can complete their formal training at either South Metropolitan TAFE in Fremantle or the Australian Maritime College in Launceston. Upon completion of all requirements they obtain the MAR30220 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Integrated Rating) and the (AMSA) issued occupational licence: Integrated Rating Certificate of Proficiency. METL pays the college fees, arranges and pays for accommodation, meals and travel as required, and pays the trainee wages.[10]

·         The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has partnered with the University of Tasmania (UTAS) to offer several maritime scholarships, including[11]:

o   AMSA Vocational Near Coastal Seafaring Scholarship[12]

o   AMSA Sara Bool Women in Maritime Engineering Scholarship[13]

o   AMSA First Year Access Scholarship for Maritime Studies.[14]

·         The Australian Mariners Welfare Society offers maritime scholarships to the children of seafarers or ex-seafarers to study maritime courses at an RTO.[15]  The scholarship awards $3,500 per semester for course fees, living and travel expenses to students who have low or moderate means.

Scholarships for specific groups

·         The Sisters of Charity Foundation Tertiary Scholarship Program offers two scholarships for young people (27 years or under) who have been in out of home care, such as foster care (either currently or in the past).[16] The university scholarship is valued at up to $30,000 and the TAFE scholarship is valued at $5000. The scholarship is not specific to maritime studies.

·         The Pinnacle Foundation offers annual scholarships and mentoring to people between 18-26 years of age who identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and are undertaking education in a public tertiary institution (university or TAFE).[17] The scholarship is not specific to maritime studies.

·         Australian Veterans' Children Assistance Trust (AVCAT) offers annual education scholarships for children and grandchildren of Vietnam Veterans. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enrol in a tertiary course at an Australian university, TAFE or a registered training organisation. Eligibility criteria include being able to demonstrate financial hardship.[18] The scholarship is not specific to maritime studies.