In August 2025, the Greater Shepparton Foundation and Goulburn Murray Local Learning and Employment Network launched the Employment and Vocational Training Scholarship to help young people across the Goulburn Valley pursue apprenticeships, vocational training and short courses.
The scholarship provides financial assistance to remove barriers that can prevent young people from accessing education and employment opportunities.
Funding can be used for course fees, tools, equipment, travel expenses, and other costs that support participants to complete their training and build rewarding careers.
The initiative is made possible through the support of community partners Central Shepparton Rotary Club and Soroptimist International Shepparton, who have contributed funding to the program.
Three scholarships, each of $500, have been awarded in 2026, with recipients sharing positive feedback about the difference the program has made.
Scholarship recipients said the financial support had increased their confidence to complete their studies and praised the online application process as simple, quick and easy to navigate.
“Our community is full of talented, motivated young people who just need a bit of help to get started,” GMLLEN executive officer Bec Costa-Lowe said.
Soroptimist International Shepparton president Katrina Mooney said the organisation was proud to support young women pursuing hands-on careers in traditionally male-dominated industries.
“In today’s climate, it is so important to support and show value to women and girls,” she said.
“Rotary is all about community,” Shepparton Central Rotary Club president Allen Gale said.
“If we can assist young people with a scholarship to help cover books, tools and other essential costs, easing the financial burden, then everyone benefits.”
The Greater Shepparton Foundation encourages young people seeking financial support for an apprenticeship, vocational training pathway or short course, to apply for the scholarship and take the next step towards their future.
For more information or to apply, visit the Greater Shepparton Foundation website: greatershepparton.foundation/scholarships.
Until next time.
Amanda McCulloch
Greater Shepparton Foundation executive officer
