The Marine Bioproducts Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) has launched an exciting new initiative to support the next generation of marine professionals. The Sea Your Future Scholarship is designed for high school students undertaking school-based apprenticeships and traineeships in Australia’s rapidly growing marine industry.
Created for students in Years 10 to 12, the Sea Your Future Scholarship supports young people to step beyond the classroom and into real workplaces across aquaculture, seafood post-harvest operations, fisheries compliance, and related fields. The scholarship provides financial support for travel, accommodation, personal protective equipment, and training-related expenses, helping students participate fully in hands-on learning experiences that strengthen their skills, confidence, and career readiness.
The scholarship was proposed by Samyah Basim Allinjawi, a University of Tasmania Professional Master of Marine and Antarctic Science graduate who joined the Marine Bioproducts CRC for an internship earlier this year. Samyah worked alongside Sarah Ugalde, Education & Communications Manager, to shape a practical opportunity that compliments the recently launched Marine Bioproducts CRC Education and Training Program.
“I wanted to create something special that would continue on after my internship with the Marine Bioproducts CRC.” Samyah said.
“There are incredible careers in Australia’s marine sector, but many young people do not get the chance to experience them early. The Sea Your Future Scholarship supports students completing school-based apprenticeships and training, called SBATS, to help them have a positive first connection with the workplace.”
The inaugural recipient of the Sea Your Future Scholarship is Jackson Lee, a Year 11 student from Eden Marine High School on the New South Wales coast who recently began a school-based apprenticeship with South Coast Mariculture. Jackson says the scholarship has already made a significant difference.
“This opportunity means everything to me,” Jackson said.
(L-R): Chris Ride (Founder, Auskelp), Scott Walter (Chief Operating Officer, Blue Harvest), Jackson Lee (Sea Your Future Scholarship recipient, Eden Marine High School), Hika Rountree (Marine Farms Operations, South Coast Mariculture), and Daniel E. Abrahams (CEO, Marine Bioproducts CRC).
“I am working toward a Certificate II in Aquaculture alongside my high school certificate. The Sea Your Future Scholarship opened the door for me to secure the apprenticeship with South Coast Mariculture, and they have been absolutely brilliant to work with.”
South Coast Mariculture operates out of Jervis Bay in New South Wales, renowned for high quality production and sustainable practices. Located at the convergence of the warm East Australian Current and cooler waters from Bass Strait, the area produces nutrient rich upwellings that make it an ideal location for mussel farming.
“We always need more help around here!” Hika Rountree, Marine Operations Manager at South Coast Mariculture said.
“I love this industry, but we need to do a better job attracting and retaining young people to show them that this is a valid and incredibly rewarding career path. We are really happy the Sea Your Future Scholarship can help us do just that.”
Expressions of Interest for the scholarship are open year-round, with applications accepted at least six weeks before the start of a planned school-based apprenticeship or traineeship. While the scholarship does not arrange placements, it supports students who already have opportunities in place and need assistance to participate fully. Each successful applicant receives up to $2,000, unless otherwise negotiated, to support travel, personal protective equipment, or other training related costs.
“It matters that we get this right,” said Marine Bioproducts CRC CEO, Daniel E. Abrahams.
“Young people need the opportunity to experience this rapidly evolving industry, and they deserve real support. Working with Jackson and Jackson’s family, especially Hayley Lee, has been invaluable. Hayley’s advocacy and openness showed us exactly what this scholarship needed to be.”
The Sea Your Future Scholarship reflects the Marine Bioproducts CRC commitment to shaping a skilled, inspired, and industry ready workforce that can drive the growth of Australia’s marine bioproducts and biomanufacturing sector. By supporting young people to engage early with real workplaces, the CRC is helping build future innovators who will strengthen regional communities, support sustainable industries, and advance Australia’s leadership in the global market.
For more information or to register interest, contact info@mbcrc.com.