Children’s Services professional Sarah Nilson, 28, of Capalaba has been presented with a prestigious scholarship from the Queensland Overseas Foundation (QOF).
She was presented with the scholarship by the Governor of Queensland and QOF Patron, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC at Parliament House on March 16.
Sarah completed a Certificate III and Diploma of Children’s Services at Southbank Institute of TAFE in 2008 before going on to complete both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications at Griffith University.
Her own educational journey reflects her dedication to promoting vocational education and training pathways for young people.
Ms Nilsen, who currently works as a Senior Program Officer in the Queensland Department of Education hopes to use her QOF Scholarship to travel to Europe where she plans to work in other government organisations and in direct contact early childhood education roles.
“I’m really looking forward to gaining insight into early childhood education and care in other countries.”
“I want to bring back new ideas and best practice to Queensland so I can continue to contribute to the Early Childhood industry here.”
“I encourage other Queenslanders to apply for this Scholarship because it really does open doors for you and help you to gain experience that will boost your career.”
Queensland Overseas Foundation Chair Geoff Favell said the scholarships would benefit Queensland industries in the long term.
“Since 1976 we have helped more than 100 Queenslanders pursue their dream of working overseas knowing they will bring their skills back home and offer considerable benefit to our industries,” Mr Favell said.
“This is an invaluable opportunity for the Scholarship recipients but also for the communities they return to.”
The Queensland Overseas Foundation is a voluntary non-profit organisation, sponsored by Queensland Industry including Construction Skills Queensland and BUSY At Work and supported by the State Government. The Foundation provides international vocational experience to specially selected young tradespersons who have completed their formal training.
The Foundation also offers a bursary that provides trainers, employers, employees and administrators within the Vocational Education and Training sector with funding to attend recognised international courses, workshops, work placement, events or activities with professional developmental benefits.
Register interest in the 2019 awards or the Global Connections Bursary through qof.org.au.
