Rio Tinto, in partnership with NR TAFE, the largest regional vocational education and training provider in the Pilbara, are jointly focused on investing in the local community, to improve education outcomes, pathways to employment and innovative solutions to resolve the shortage of qualified workers throughout the Pilbara.
The objective of the scholarship is to enable students to enrol and complete the course over the duration of the students’ journey.
Since its introduction, the scholarship has supported students pursuing qualifications in Early Childhood Education. In 2026, the program has been expanded to provide assistance across a broader range of qualifications in Community Services, Health and Nursing, School-Based Education Support and Beauty, creating greater opportunities for Pilbara residents to access training and develop skills in high-demand industries.
Rio Tinto will also support visa holding students by funding a maximum of 50% of the total fees, which will be paid 25% at commencement, and the further 25% will be paid when the student completes the qualification. The number of students able to be funded within this arrangement is limited by the yearly funding available.
Students applying for the Scholarship will need to provide proof of residential address in the City of Karratha or Shire of Ashburton.
Eligible courses
Community Services and Early Childhood
- CHC22015 Certificate II in Community Services
- CHC32015 Certificate III in Community Services
- CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services
- CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services
- CHC40421 Certificate IV in Youth Work
- CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
- AE648 Family and Domestic Violence Early Intervention Skill Set
Health and Nursing
- 52895WA Certificate IV in Preparation for Health and Nursing Studies
- HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing
- CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)
- SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness
- AE875 First Aid Skill Set
- AE439 Integrating Mental Health Practice Skill Set
- CHCSS00114 Entry into Care Roles Skill Set
- AD84 Manual Handling for Health Workers Skill Set
Business and School-Based Education Support
- CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support
- CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
- BSB30120 Certificate III in Business
Hair and Beauty
- SHB30416 Certificate III in Hairdressing
- SHB40121 Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy
- IAE47 Massage Skill Set
- IAE49 Lash and Brow Skill Set
- IAE51 Apply Lash Extensions (Classic) Skill Set
Hospitality
- IAA15 Barista Skill Set