Woodside Marine Career Scholarships available for young people in Broome

Written on the 20 September 2016 by Melva Stone

Representatives from the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation were in Broome last week to inform schools and other appropriate bodies about scholarships, which are now available with the Foundation, and to seek the support of the local business community. 

A total of sixty Woodside scholarships are on offer for young people aged 14-25 and Broome is one of the towns, which the Foundation hopes to draw young people from. Foundation representatives have also visited Roebourne, Karratha and Exmouth.  Some scholarships will be awarded in Perth.

The STS Leeuwin 11 is a one-of-kind Western Australian icon that is widely recognized within the community.  A total of 58 young people from the Kimberley sailed on the STS Leeuwin 11 in the past five years.

Each scholarship covers $1500, leaving $600 to be covered by the applicant or from the local community.  In the case of Broome, airfares will also need to be covered.  The Foundation does provide accommodation if needed and will undertake a "duty of care" role from the time a student arrives in Perth until their departure.

A 12-month cadetship will see recipients complete their Master <24m, MED2 and Certificate of Safety training course, as well as an AMSA Medical assessment all funded through Woodside.  Time on board the STS Leeuwin 11 will also provide life, leadership, communications and teamwork skills.

Chief Executive Officer of the Leeuwin Foundation, Carol Shannon said "For many years a voyage on the Leeuwin has been the catalyst for young people to pursue a career on the ocean. For young people who have these aspirations it can be vary hard to find the funds to study for the necessary qualifications.  This is where the Leeuwin Woodside Marine Career Scholarships can assist".

Since 1986, the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation has provided exciting and life-changing programs to more than 40,000 participants.  In the past three years, 55% of voyage participants came from outside the Perth metro area and as many young women as men were welcomed onboard.

For further information go to: www.sailleeuwin.com