The AOF provides scholarships to study and work abroad to Australians aged 21 to 31, who have completed a trade apprenticeship or vocational traineeship
The AOF's goal is to identify outstanding young vocationally-trained Australians, and through its scholarships, help develop their leadership skills, and increase their knowledge and experience, which is subsequently reinvested in Australia. Award winners spend one to two years in the country of their choice gaining experience which could not be obtained in Australia.
The Foundation has a Board of Directors, which sets the ongoing direction and strategies. Specifically, the Board concerns itself with attracting applicants, awarding scholarships, fundraising and sponsorship, maintaining relationships with the returned alumni members and building momentum for the Foundation to continue and grow. The Board seeks applicants who have demonstrated high levels of achievement throughout their course, have excelled in their employment, and have been involved in their community.
Many scholarship winners have gone on to achieve significant success in their careers forming their own companies, obtaining senior and executive management roles and joining TAFE Colleges as teachers and lecturers.
In 1956, the Victorian Overseas Foundation (VOF) was established by a group of industrialists, technical colleges and Rotarians. During 1957, the first scholarships were awarded. The VOF's goal was to provide opportunities for young people who had completed an apprenticeship, a certificate of vocational studies or traineeship, to work and study overseas in the country of their choice.
In the early 1980s, the Foundation expanded to become national and was renamed the Australian Overseas Foundation Inc (AOF). The AOF embraced the view that the pace of global technology and learning was dynamic and identified the ongoing need for scholarships to be made available in the areas of craft, technical studies and trade, traineeships and technician fields.
Funding for these scholarships has been provided by Rotary clubs, industrial, business and trade organisations, government and individuals.
- Category:
- Non-profit organization