Skilling Australia Foundation (SAF)

At Skilling Australia Foundation they believe that all young Australians have the right to have access to the education and skills training they need for the career of their choice. They are passionate advocates for skills-based education such as found through dynamic vocational training courses, technical schools, Technical and Further Education (TAFE) and apprenticeship programs as an initial educational pathway and career starter leading to fulfilling and well paid jobs. They focus in particular on supporting young Australians facing disadvantage and since 2013 have assisted over 1000 young people to successfully start their chosen career in an apprenticeship or traineeship. The Foundation provides job readiness programs, and matches young people with real employment opportunities, providing ongoing dedicated mentors, and educating employers on the need to develop skills. Tuition fee relief grants are available to assist with the up-front apprenticeship and traineeship training fee costs and merit-based scholarships are awarded to fund short study trips to students demonstrating a high level of academic achievement and/or other outstanding abilities, leadership or contributions to the community. Skilling Australia Foundation works with a large network of educational institutions, employers and support groups to help young Australians make their transition into the workforce. In 2015 the Foundation was appointed by the Australian Federal Government to introduce the P-TECH (Pathways-In-Technology) secondary school STEM learning programs in Geelong and Ballarat. The Government has since expanded P-TECH model to 14 pilot sites. The Skilling Australia Foundation is a not for profit charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR status).