Scholarship opportunity opens the door to overseas adventures for TAFE Queensland graduate

Passionate about languages and communication, the Toowoomba-based medical receptionist had already been learning German, but now she is looking forward to immersing herself in the culture when she moves to the country as a result of the scholarship program.

“It’s all happened quite quickly, so I’m still trying to wrap my head around it,” Rebecca said.

“I'm hoping to work in a business role in Germany, as I have some friends and relatives close by in Switzerland.”

Supported by industry partners and the Queensland Government, each year the QOF gives five high achieving 18 to 30 year old trainees, apprentices and vocational education and training graduates the chance to further their careers abroad.

“The scholarship enables Queensland graduates to live and work overseas for a year or two and then bring their skills back home,” Rebecca explained.

“So it covers the travel expenses and a settling in allowance to help with the actual moving over. Plus, they follow up throughout your stay, and provide extra support as needed.”

TAFE Queensland General Manager of the South West Region, Jenni Butler, said that scholarship programs designed for vocational education and training (VET) students, like the QOF Overseas Travel Award, are important initiatives to help reduce financial barriers so that students and graduates can reach their full potential.

“At TAFE Queensland, we know the power of training and skills, and these scholarship programs, including the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program, help our students to change their lives and achieve their career aspirations,” Ms Butler said.

“On behalf of TAFE Queensland, I would like to extend our congratulations to Rebecca, and the other QOF Award recipients, and wish them all the best with their exciting international work opportunities.” she said.

Rebecca was invited to apply for the scholarship after successfully competing against other business students in a WorldSkills Regional Competition in 2019 and at the WorldSkills National Championships in 2021, winning a gold medal in both competitions. 

TAFE Queensland Business Teacher, Kay Newborn, impressed with Rebecca’s commitment and aptitude to her business studies, encouraged her to take part in the Business Services category of the competition.

“WorldSkills was a wonderful opportunity for Rebecca to show off her abilities in a range of administration tasks in a time pressured environment,” Ms Newborn said.

“Her skills shone through during the competition and I was thrilled to receive a call from Rebecca recently advising that her achievements had led to further professional development opportunities with her successful application for the QOF scholarship!”

“TAFE Queensland’s business courses are a fantastic foundation for a range of roles and industries, and it’s great to see Rebecca using her studies as a launching pad to an exciting international work sabbatical,” she said. 

Rebecca completed a Certificate III in Business (BSB30120) full time for six months which included both online and on campus learning at TAFE Queensland’s Toowoomba campus, while she worked at a busy medical clinic.

With members of her family completing courses with TAFE Queensland, and undecided about university, Rebecca chose to undertake a business qualification to complement her medical receptionist role after completing her high school certificate.

“I've actually had a number of siblings and my dad study at TAFE,” Rebecca said.

“I grew up hearing about TAFE, so it was a natural progression after school and before uni. But still not sure if I will go the uni route…” she added.

An advocate for TAFE Queensland, Rebecca felt that the culture within the classroom was a highlight of her studies.

“Definitely give study a go. It's was an amazing experience, especially the classroom atmosphere, as it's very much centred on real world skills and what's relevant in the industry,” she advised.

“It's not competitive. It's not about who's at the top of class, it's about where you're at with your learning, and what's relevant in the industry and then bridging any gaps.”

Pictured above: Rebecca Webb with Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeanette Young, Governor of Queensland.