2024 Student Scholarship - applications now closed
WITH TAS is pleased to offer a student scholarship for a young woman studying tourism/hospitality subjects throughout 2024. It includes $1000 towards study expenses (paid on successful completion of subjects at the end of the year) as well as WITH peer support throughout the year.
Eligibility criteria are explained in the application form (Word) / application form (PDF). In summary:
- The scholarship is for a female student who will be 17 years or older by the end of 2024.
- A short written application addressing specific questions needs to be completed - refer to the application form.
- A reference or endorsement from a teacher, employer or industry client is to be attached.
- A short-list of applicants will be interviewed by a panel of two WITH Committee Members.
- The successful candidate will be requested to:
(i) attend three WITH functions throughout the year; and
(ii) provide two updates on their study/career aspirations for inclusion in the WITH newsletter - Applications are open to international students as well as Australian residents.
Applications closed 5.00pm on Wednesday, 27 March 2024 - please send completed applications with all supporting documentation to info@withtas.com
This is a competitive process and we are seeking a candidate who is keen to pursue a career in the tourism/hospitality sectors and who will be a great ambassador for both WITH and the tourism industry.
Email questions to info@withtas.com or phone WITH President, Rita, on 0438 310 323.
Background
Since 2013, Women in Tourism & Hospitality Tasmania (WITH) has been investing in, and connecting with, the next generation of women passionate about working in our industry by offering an annual student scholarship.
In the years since, $1,000 has been awarded annually to assist with the undertaking of tourism and/or hospitality studies at post-secondary level. To encourage professional development and career progression, the scholarship package provides:
- $1,000 awarded in November, at the end of the study year.
- Mentoring and peer support throughout the year.
- Access to a network of supportive women.
- Access to wider networks of industry contacts.
- Attendance at three WITH Tas events, including a Management Committee meeting.
- Supported attendance at an industry event when available.
We have confidence in the future of the tourism and hospitality industry in our state, particularly as the following scholarship recipients go on to fulfil their career aspirations.
WITH Tas thanks Tourism Tasmania for their sponsorship of the Scholarship award since 2019.
Our Northern Branch has also offered student scholarships at times - WITH North contact details here >
2023 WITH Tas Scholarship Winner
Each year our scholarship interview panel unearths talented, professional and committed young women, each studying hard to fulfil their aspirations for a career in tourism and hospitality. This year was no different, particularly our 2023 scholarship recipient - Upuli Prabhashini Pathirana.
Upuli is currently studying Certificate III in Hospitality at TasTAFE and on a pathway to the program of Bachelor of Business – Hospitality Management at UTAS. She has a passion for customer service, beginning her career in 2008 as a Travel Assistant. She rose to a professional level to become a Training Specialist in Hospitality and Tourism at BCD Travel, teaching and training people in customer service and improving their skills. Upuli has gone on to gain local and international experience, including in Sri Lanka and United Arab Emirates.
Upuli says "Tasmania is an island of creative and curious minds, and it has a welcoming and collaborative community with amazing nature. As a person who loves to travel, explore nature and meet people, it will be a great opportunity to live in Tasmania. My goal in my professional life is to become a restaurant owner and to be a part of the positive change in Hospitality and Tourism. My personal goal is to build a better future for my children, be an excellent role model, while also providing quality time with my family."
Congratulations Upuli - WITH Tas looks forward to supporting you through this coming year and beyond.
Previous recipients
2022 WITH Tas Scholarship Winner
Once again the calibre of applicants was high but Eve Wang immediately impressed the interview panel with her "amazingly positive spirit and energy that lights up the room, and lifts up those around her".
Her passion for food, sense of community and ethos of working hard to achieve her dreams were also very evident.
Eve is already on her way to achieving her goal of developing her own uniquely Tasmanian brand of croissants, working on perfecting her recipe and having established a small business.
There's a lot to this young woman with a genuine sense of community and passion for Tasmanian food.
2022 Encouragement Award
This award is only given when recommended by the interview panel to recognise a second outstanding applicant.
Originally from France and then working in the Central West wine regions of NS, Yoana Lemonnier says that "Tasmania was where I decided to call this land home".
Yoana's dream is to become a Sommelier and whilst the wine-tasting aspect of her studies was in abeyance due to the birth of her first child, she continued her studies for an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality, Tourism and Events at Drysdale TasTAFE, believing many aspects are intrinsically linked to the role .
Read more about these outstanding young women and the reason why we're optimistic about the future of our industry
2021 WITH Tas Scholarship Winner
Our 2021 interview panel described Katy Usher as resilient, focused and grounded with a strong drive to succeed in the industry and a clear and committed passion for tourism.
Although holding a B.SC (Hons) in Analytical Chemistry gained in her home country of Scotland, Katy’s first love is the outdoors. After travelling extensively, it’s no wonder then that she’s made her home here in Tasmania where she believes some of the best activities in the country are found.
Katy's been in tourism and hospitality since the age of 18 with jobs varying from waitressing and bar tending to wildlife guiding and deck handing. Since 2019, she’s been working for Gordon River Cruises as a deck hand and guide, loving the experience of sharing the World Heritage Wilderness with visitors.
When she completes her Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management in October 2021, Katy aims to continue her professional development with further management/leadership courses and eventually gain her Marine Engine Driver qualifications.
Congratulations Katy!
2021 Encouragement Award
The calibre of applications this year was once again very high, boding well for the future of our industry and warranting a $500 Encouragement Award.
Rebecca Payne is a Year 12 student at Elizabeth College studying Tourism Vet Certificate II where, according to her tutor, she has regularly demonstrated her passion for the industry. Her plans are to continue her tourism studies in 2022 with a Certificate 3 Tourism and Certificate 3 in Guiding. To support the development of her tourism career path, Rebecca currently works at SMOLT Kitchen, no doubt making the most of every opportunity to learn!
Rebecca impressed our interview panel with her initiative and understanding of creating and taking opportunities. She’s practical with her approach, wanting to learn from well-established businesses and surround herself with great mentors.
Ultimately her goal is to start her own tourism business on the family’s East Coast property – we believe that she has the drive and initiative to do just that.
Rebecca will receive the $500 Award on successful completion of her studies and scholarship commitments to WITH Tas at the end of the year.
2020 WITH Tas Scholarship Winner
Lily Pursell impressed the interview panel with her great enthusiasm, drive and commitment to pursuing a career in the tourism industry and is a very worthy recipient of this year's scholarship.
Lily is a Year 12 student studying VET subjects at Guildford Young College. She completed the Certificate II in Tourism in 2019 and this year (2020) is studying for Certificates II in Hospitality, Kitchen Operations and Business, as well as undertaking a school-based traineeship with the Parks & Wildlife Service. Up until recently she also had casual work at Pancake by the Ponds in the Derwent Valley.
Lily's goals are to complete further qualifications in tourism and hospitality, secure full-time work and achieve a management position in the industry, then eventually running her own business. Read more about Lily here
2020 Encouragement Awards
Due to the high calibre of applicants this year, the WITH Tas Committee has decided to present two Encouragement Awards of $500 each. Caitlin Foale, studying for the Certificate III in Tourism at Drysdale TasTAFE and Thais Sousa, studying for the Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at registered training organisation, Frontier Education, both displayed strong motivation and ability to succeed in the tourism/hospitality industry.
In recognition of their potential they will each receive $500 on completion of their studies at the end of the year.
WITH Tas thanks Tourism Tasmania for its support of our major scholarship which has also allowed us to present the Encouragement Awards.
2019: Nilarach (Joy) Varahakaporn
Joy holds a Cert IV in patisserie and hospitality and is currently studying for a Cert IV in Commercial Cookery at Frontier Education. She moved to Hobart from Melbourne after visiting Hobart where the city took her breath away. Joy's ultimate dream is to own her own business but along the way she takes inspiration from Tasmania's many talented chefs and the state's vibrant food culture. Read more about Joy here >
2018: Grace Woolford
Grace is a year 12 student studying both tourism and hospitality at Guilford Young College and is in her third year as a VET hospitality student. She is currently completing certificate II in Tourism, Kitchen Operations and Hospitality (Front of House). When she finishes college at the end of 2019, Grace intends to start a pastry apprenticeship in Hobart which she is very much looking forward too. With the help of the WITH Tas scholarship she will be able to complete her apprenticeship and then travel with the skills obtained.
2017: Jacinta Lang
Jacinta completed her TasTafe studies in 2017 and is now enjoying working with the passionate and award-winning team at Pennicott Wilderness Journeys.
2016: Katherine Halliday and Molly Hutcheon
Following a career in event management and part-time study, Katherine completed her degree at the University of Tasmania and so impressed them, they offered her a job!
Molly Hutcheon received an Encouragement Award of $5oo towards her studies. After gaining hospitality experience including at Macq01, Molly is off travelling the world gaining life experience.
2015: Susie Serpanos
Susie studied at TasTAFE and continues to work in the hospitality industry.
2014: Katy Delaney
Katy completed her Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management in 2015, and continued to work directly in the industry until 2019 in a variety of roles, from General Manager to F&B Attendant. The support from WITH during Katy's studies meant she was able to move forward in her career and was better equipped to take advantage of mentors and the experience they provided. Katy is now Office Manager and a Hospitality POS Solutions Consultant and putting the lessons learned to good use.
2013: Kristiana Timson
