TAFE Queensland Scholarship Foundation welcomes The Industry School as new sponsor

This new partnership reflects a shared belief that financial or social barriers should never stand in the way of talent, potential or ambition, and that access to high‑quality training can transform lives, families and communities across the state.

The Industry School is an independent senior school for students in Years 10–12, offering a deliberately different education model for young people who want to pursue a career in industry. With six campuses across South‑East Queensland - Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Redland Bay and Toowoomba - the school has spent the past 20 years rethinking how to equip and empower the next generation.

Students split their time between the classroom and the workplace, gaining real industry experience while completing their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). This unique model ensures graduates leave school with a clear, sustainable pathway into industry and the confidence to begin building their careers immediately.

The Industry School Chief Executive Officer, Lee Smith said supporting the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Foundation was a natural extension of the school’s long‑standing values.

“Philanthropy is deeply woven into our school’s values, particularly the principle of mateship,” Mr Smith said.

“We have a long history of service, including our 10‑year partnership with New Hope Cambodia, where our students and industry partners have helped build homes and essential infrastructure for families in need. These experiences not only provide life‑changing support, but also foster strong character, purpose and global citizenship in our students.”

By sponsoring scholarships through the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Foundation, The Industry School aims to help create a more inclusive and equitable training landscape across Queensland.

“Every student’s journey is different, and financial or social barriers should never hold back potential,” Mr Smith said.

“Supporting the Foundation allows us to ensure technically talented and bright‑minded young people have the support they need to build real‑world strengths today, not sometime in the future.”

The Industry School’s extensive network of more than 3,000 industry partners across South‑East Queensland will also help ensure scholarship recipients are well supported as they transition from training into employment.

“Success, to us, is seeing a scholarship recipient complete their qualification and move into a rewarding career,” Mr Smith said.

“Our goal is to provide a lifeline for students facing hardship, allowing them to focus entirely on developing their skills and education — and ultimately contribute authentically to Queensland’s workforce.”

First launched in 2015, the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program has awarded more than $4.0 million, supporting over 800 Queenslanders to pursue their career goals through vocational education and training.

TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer Tim Rawlings said partnerships like this play a vital role in changing lives.

“Scholarships can be life‑changing for students, providing them with the financial support and encouragement they need to build a better future for themselves and those around them,” Mr Rawlings said.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of sponsors like The Industry School, who generously donate each year to the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Foundation which funds our scholarships program.

“We know the power of skills and training, and with The Industry School’s support, we are helping our students to change their lives and achieve their career aspirations.”

The TAFE Queensland Scholarship Foundation looks forward to the positive impact this partnership will have, supporting students to succeed in training, transition into employment and contribute to Queensland’s future workforce.