A young Queensland butcher is packing his bags for the opportunity of a lifetime – and he is asking other young beef industry stakeholders to join him.

Geordan Bauer, 23, is preparing to move to Germany after receiving a Queensland Overseas Foundation scholarship, which gives specially selected young tradesmen and women who have completed their formal apprenticeships or vocational training the opportunity to live and work overseas in a country of their choice for up to two years.

The scholarships are valued at up to $7000, and with applications for the 2011 round now open, Mr Bauer is encouraging other people in the meat industry to apply.

Mr Bauer said he hoped to bring new skills back to Australian meat retailing upon his return.
“I have been given the opportunity to learn about Germany’s traditional small goods industry,” he said.

“The knowledge and experience I can earn will help reignite the international food culture that has been lost over time. Bringing skills back from overseas to Bundaberg would really help me give back to the community.”

“Scholarships like this can really bring about much needed support to Bundaberg businesses, especially those that were affected by the floods earlier this year.”

He said anyone who may be eligible for this year’s round should not hesitate to be in the running.

“Everybody interested in going abroad to enhance their career should definitely just jump on the website and apply,” he said. “The scholarship really is a passport to the world.”

To be eligible, applicants must be Queensland residents and have completed an apprenticeship or traineeship, Certificate III or above or a vocational Certificate IV or above, and gained work experience in the beef industry.

Queensland Overseas Foundation chairman Peter Costantini said the scholarships were an opportunity not to miss.

“These Queenslanders are able to get an international vocational experience that they otherwise may not have,” he said.

“No matter what trade or vocation they are in, we encourage people who think they might be eligible to apply through the website.”

The Queensland Overseas Foundation is a voluntary, non-profit organisation that has provided annual scholarships to high achieving Queenslanders for the past 28 years with the goal of bringing the best global practices back to Queensland industries. The Foundation is sponsored by Queensland Industry and supported by the State Government to enable recipients to broaden their horizons and expand their skills.

Applications close 25 November 2011. To apply, visit www.qof.org.au, or join the Queensland Overseas Foundation on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/queenslandoverseasfoundation) or Twitter (@QOFoundation)