Agriculture Scholarships available for 2018
19/12/2017
Mr Rockliff thanked Blundstone for their offering $60,000 to go toward the 2018 scholarships to which the government is matching dollar to dollar for a total of $120,000. Blundstone is happy to be funding the scholarships as it provides them with a way to give back to the local community in their home state of Tasmania.
Taylor Franklin-Smith was the 2017 Blundstone Scholarship Winner, and she speaks of her experiences as the recipient with a face full of smiles.Ms Franklin-Smith is pursuing her first year of studies towards an Associates Degree in Agribusiness. The degree she is undertaking is at the University of Tasmania.
She was with Jeremy Rockliff, the Education and Training Minister at the Forth Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture for the announcement of the Blundstone Scholarships - a total of 30 for 2018. The legendary boot and clothing brand funds half of the total scholarship amount while the government subsidises the other half.
Ms Franklin-Smith notes that for her, the scholarship was a very beneficial award. She was able to transport herself to educational seminars held in Burnie, Launceston and Hobart. She also notes that the money helped to purchase a well-needed laptop too.
Mr Rockliff was there to announce the opening of the scholarships to applicants and stated that the government wanted to provide a clear way for more young people to get into agriculture, not just as a "job" but as a career.
The scholarship aims to support students in developing pathways to employment and allow young Tasmanian's to be career ready.
Mr Rockliff thanked Blundstone for their offering $60,000 to go toward the 2018 scholarships to which the government is matching dollar to dollar for a total of $120,000.
Each scholarship is worth $4000 and the awards are only available to persons who are pursuing an education in the state, with the focus of the scholarships in the north and north-west regions.
Steve Gunn; CEO of Blundstone notes that the company has for a long time been ingrained in the agriculture industry and its business. He said that they have been in league with an Australian Farming Institution since 1870.
Blundstone is happy to be funding the scholarships as it provides them with a way to give back to the local community in their home state of Tasmania. Mr Gunn explained that this is not the only agriculture scholarship program they supported; having a $10,000 undergraduate farming scholarship for students who live in remote parts of Tasmania as well. The latter award helps students by giving them the opportunity to relocate to complete their studies.
Mr Rockliff notes how it is the Tasmanian government's vision to have the agriculture industry grown to be a $10 billion sector by the year 2050. The industry is currently at $1.48 billion, and developing rapidly and ahead of schedule.
He encourages young people to apply for the scholarships which will help them to get their Associate Degree in Agribusiness. The studies can be completed either part time or full time, so students have the option of flexibility. This degree offered by the University of Tasmania is aimed at people who want to be the leaders and managers in the community. It produces individuals who are tuned in to learning and creativity, are technically competent and commercially aware.
For your chance at one of these scholarships, go to the Blundstone Scholarships 2018 to apply.
