26 May 2025
South Metropolitan TAFE (SM TAFE) is proud to offer key scholarships to support the increased representation of women in traditionally male-dominated industries - providing a launchpad for those ready to step into a new career.
We spoke to three women who took the leap and applied for a scholarship - gaining confidence, qualifications, and a clearer path to the future they dreamed of.
Crystal - Women in Engineering Scholarship, run in partnership with Chevron Australia
Crystal spent much of her life being the centre of her family, raising six children as a stay-at-home mum, something she always saw as a personal achievement.
One day on Facebook, she came across the Women in Engineering Scholarship program, delivered at SM TAFE in partnership with Chevron Australia.
After successfully applying, Crystal not only completed the program but also received the Chevron Way award at her graduation, for her outstanding performance and alignment with Chevron Australia's core values during the Women in Engineering program.
"It was my first two qualifications I've ever received, and I did it just so my kids could see it's never too late to start something. It's so important to become qualified and study, and really it can change your whole life," Crystal explains.
The scholarship is the ideal introduction to the resource industry, and Crystal hopes to secure a traineeship and become fully qualified in process plant operations.
Mandy - Women in Defence Industry Scholarship
After 14 years in hospitality, Mandy felt stuck in a rut. When she attended a career expo, she discovered our Women in Defence Industry Scholarship. Mandy credits the opportunity with improving her confidence overall.
After completing the Scholarship, Mandy went on to undertake the Defence Industry Pathways Program at SM TAFE and was offered a role through her work placement as Electronics Technician at L3 Harris.
Mandy's advice for women thinking of entering a male dominated field?
"Trust yourself, believe in your own skills, remember you're enough and you're allowed in the room as well," she says.
Mandy's employer is now sponsoring her to undertake the MEM50822 Diploma of Applied Technologies in Engineering at SM TAFE.
Jade - Women in Non-Traditional Trade Scholarship (WiNTT)
Jade always dreamed of working in aviation, inspired by both of her parents who worked in the industry.
She says the Women in Non-Traditional Trade Scholarship has made a significant impact on her career journey.
Jade says the Women-in Non-Traditional Trade Scholarship has greatly impacted her life.
“It’s impacted it a lot to be honest, the mentorship program is probably the most profound element. I get a phone call from a mentor every quarter or so and obviously the grant helped with things, I used it for tooling,” Jade explains.
With a love of fixing planes, Jade is now completing the MEA40718 Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical)(opens in a new tab) at SM TAFE and is in the second year of her apprenticeship with her employer, QANTAS. She hopes to become a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer.
Women's scholarships at SM TAFE
Apply for funding* to carve out your new career. Keep an eye on our website for future scholarship dates.
Women in Engineering Scholarship, delivered in partnership with Chevron Australia
Women in Defence Industry Scholarship
Women in Non-Traditional Trade (WiNTT) Scholarship
*For successful applicants only. Note there are a limited number of scholarship places, refer to scholarship website pages for full details.