2026 Community Bank Heathcote & District and Nagambie Apprentice Scholarship Program (CEF)(T)(O)

The 2026 Community Bank Heathcote & District and Nagambie Apprentice Scholarship Program aims to assist academically motivated students of any age, from the greater Heathcote and Nagambie district, undertaking an Apprenticeship. The student should be taking up a full time Apprenticeship engaged with an employer in 2026 (or end of 2025) in any of the following fields:

• Automotive Engineering and Technology
• Building and Construction e.g. Carpentry, Plumbing, Tiling, etc
• Electrical
• Hairdressing
• Horticulture
• Hospitality
• Manufacturing Engineering and Technology
• Mechanical

* School based apprentices are not eligible to apply.

The Scholarship program supports the following study related expenses – accommodation costs, course costs, study-related materials/equipment, textbooks, tutoring and /or education related travel (within Australia).

Key general qualification criteria:

• Be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or be on a Permanent Humanitarian Visa
• Be a student enrolling in the first year (or the equivalent of first year) of Apprenticeship training in 2026 in one of the fields: Automotive Engineering and Technology, Building and Construction (Carpentry, Plumbing, Tiling, etc), Electrical, Hairdressing, Horticulture, Hospitality, Manufacturing Engineering and Technology, Mechanical.
• Live in the Heathcote/Nagambie or surrounding areas
• Maintain residence within the greater Heathcote/Nagambie regions and will be residing in that region for the duration of the scholarship.
• Not hold a scholarship of equal or higher value
• Not hold a conflicting scholarship (e.g. with another financial services institution)
• Not have a criminal record

Note: There are no age restrictions on applying for this scholarship. If you are unsure if you meet the eligibility criteria, please enquire before you apply.

Selection criteria:

• Applicants will be assessed and shortlisted based on how they address the ‘About You’ questions in the application form, along with the below supporting documentation being provided.
• Evidence of your acceptance as an Apprentice with your employer must be uploaded

For each successful recipient, the scholarship award value is up to:

• Apprenticeship $2,000 per year, for 2 years (a total of $4,000)

Subject to the criteria set out below and satisfactory academic performance. 

Scholarships will be awarded on the recommendation of a selection committee and will be based on how an applicant addresses the qualification criteria.

Performance requirements as the successful Scholarship Recipient:

In addition to the ongoing eligibility requirements, the successful applicant/s must

• Maintain satisfactory progress on achievement of Apprenticeship competencies throughout the duration of the Apprenticeship training
• Provide updates on your studies when requested.
• Should the eligible Apprenticeship cease, the Scholarship will be terminated.

For further information please contact the Community Bank Heathcote & District (03) 5433 3115.

The Scholarship Selection Committee reserves the right, at its discretion, not to award this scholarship in any given year.

Community Bank Branch Scholarships are funded from management accounts of the Community Enterprise Charitable Fund ABN 12 102 649 968 (the Fund), The Bendigo Centre, Bendigo VIC 3550. Sandhurst Trustees Limited ABN 16 004 030 737 AFSL 237906, a subsidiary of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited ABN 11 068 049 178, AFSL 237879, is the trustee of the Fund. 

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Before you begin:

Welcome to the Bendigo Bank online grant application service, powered by SmartyGrants. For queries about the guidelines, deadlines, or questions in the form, please email us at foundation@bendigobank.com.au and quote your submission number. If you need more help using this form, download the Help Guide for Applicants or check out Applicant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

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