FMA and UNE Partnerships launch Indigenous Scholarship

The FMA and UNE Partnerships (UNEP) are proud to announce that applications for the first annual Indigenous Scholarship for the Diploma of Facilities Management are now open.

This annual scholarship aims to foster and promote continuing training and professional development for FMA members who are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. It was developed as part of the Association’s 2018 Indigenous Engagement Strategy – an initiative of the FMA’s Diversity Portfolio Group.

“We are proud to be working with UNEP to tackle the issue of unemployment within Indigenous communities,” said FMA Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Burt. “We are confident that this scholarship will help advance the careers of Indigenous people in facilities management, and hopefully pave the way for more Indigenous people to enter this dynamic industry.”

Sue Crew, Chief Executive Officer of UNEP, said, “We are delighted to be working together with the Association to provide this scholarship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander FMA members, to help further their careers in this growing industry.”

The Diploma of Facilities Management was developed in conjunction with industry professionals and is aimed at people already working in the industry. It is undertaken via distance education and must be completed within two years of receiving the scholarship.

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must:

• be an FMA member (individual or corporate level 2–4);
• be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent;
• be employed as a Facility Manager, or currently working towards this role;
• ensure their employer is able to provide a mentor for the duration of study;
• have completed a minimum of Year 12 or have worked in the industry for at least three years;
• meet any other entry admission criteria required by UNEP.​

Business owners and supervisors are welcome to nominate their Facility Managers for the scholarship. Nominees will be contacted to confirm their acceptance, before being asked to complete the Application Form.

All applications must be submitted online at www.fma.com.au/indigenous-scholarship-program by 30 April 2019.