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.
Community Services
- Certificate II in Community Services
- Certificate III in Community Services
- Certificate IV in Community Services
- Diploma of Community Services
- Certificate IV in Youth Work
- Certificate III in Individual Support
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Health and Nursing
- Certificate IV in Preparation for Health and Nursing Studies
- Diploma of Nursing
- Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Assisting in Nursing Work in Acute Care)
- First Aid Skill Set
School-Based Education Support
- Certificate III in School Based Education Support
- Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
- AE439 Integrating Mental Health Practice Skill Set
- AE648 Family and Domestic Violence Early Intervention Skill Set
- CHCSS00114 Entry into Care Roles Skill Set
- AD84 Manual Handling for Health Workers Skill Set
Beauty
- Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy
- Massage Skill Set
- Lash and Brow Skill Set