The SKILLED Technical Trades Foundation (STTF) was established in 2004 to commemorate the retirement of SKILLED Group’s founder, Mr Frank Hargrave AO, and acknowledge his contribution to Australian industry by promoting careers in technical trades.

STTF provides financial assistance and mentoring to trainees and trade apprentices to help them complete their technical qualifications. In acknowledging that some trainees and apprentices must overcome obstacles to succeed during their studies, STTF aims to provide practical assistance to award recipients that may make the difference between completing their qualifications or discontinuing.

Since inception of STTF, just over $150,000 has been awarded to assist 76 apprentices and trainees across SKILLED Group.In 2010, the STTF received 13 nominations. $20,510 was awarded to assist the nine successful applicants.

Awards

Awards of up to $5,000 are available to current apprentices and trainees. The awards fall into three categories:

Technical Training Opportunity Awards
Available to someone that may be having difficulty in achieving technical training. This could be for any number of reasons, including the need to travel considerable distances; having to relocate for training or their family may not have the resources to support them during training.

Encouragement Awards
Available to someone who has commenced technical training but is having difficulty completing it.

Excellence Awards
Available to someone who has completed technical training but who could benefit from further training.