History and Profile of the AOF

AOF History
In 1956 the Victorian Overseas Foundation (VOF) was established by a group of Industrialists, Technical Colleges and Rotarians. During 1957 the first scholarships were awarded. The VOF's goal was to provide opportunities for young people who had completed an apprenticeship or a certificate of vocational studies or traineeship to work and study overseas in the country of their choice.

In the early 1980's the Foundation was expanded to become national and renamed the Australian Overseas Foundation Inc. (AOF).

The AOF embraced the view that the pace of global technology and learning was dynamic with the ongoing need for scholarships to be made available in the areas of craft, technical studies and trade, traineeships and technician fields.

Funding for these scholarships has been provided by Rotary clubs, industrial, business and trade organisations, government and individuals.

AOF Profile
Since 1956, 285 scholarships have been awarded with winners travelling to countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, South Africa, Spain, Canada, the United States of America, Switzerland, France, Italy and others. Award winners spend one to two years in the country of their choice, gaining experience that they would not normally obtain in Australia.

The AOF scholarships are awarded to young Australians between the ages of 21 and 27, who have completed an apprenticeship or traineeship at TAFE Colleges.

Award winners usually recognise their experience overseas as a life changing experience.

Many of the 285 scholarship winners have gone on to significant success in their careers, forming their own companies, achieving senior executive management levels and joining TAFE Colleges as teachers and lecturers. Many have contributed significantly towards the success of their industry in Australia.

The Victorian Overseas Foundation
The Victorian Overseas Foundation (VOF) was formed in 1956 by an initiative developed by Stan Gilmour, Secretary of the Victorian Employers Federation. He was assisted in the founding of the VOF by Reg Scott, member of Rotary International, and Howard Beanland, Principal of Footscray Technical school.

Business and industry was encouraged to sponsor scholarships for the apprentices who had become young tradesmen aged about 21-25.

In about 1999, the VOF board resolved to rename the Foundation as the Australian Overseas Foundation thereby making the scholarship open to young tradespeople from any state or territory of Australia.

Over 300 winners have now taken the opportunity to take up what has become accepted as probably the only overseas travel award for young tradespeople in this country.

The AOF award is highly regarded by business and industry all over Australia and indeed in many overseas countries. Sponsorships are welcome at any time from individuals, business and industry.