Building the next generation of trades through the Selleys Stick With It Scholarship
Aspiring carpenters and joiners have a powerful new opportunity to kick-start their future in the timber trades with the $10,000 Selleys ‘Stick With It’ Scholarship, launched in partnership with Melbourne Polytechnic. Designed to support ambitious students in their final year of Carpentry and Joinery studies, the scholarship provides financial assistance, business mentoring and the encouragement young tradies need to take their next big step.
Luca Mascaro, a Certificate III in Shopfitting CPC30120 student, is the inaugural winner of the Selleys ‘Stick With It’ Scholarship 2025, which was presented at the recent Carpentry Australia Roadshow event at the Heidelberg campus, Reflecting on the achievement, Luca shared just how meaningful the recognition is:
“Thank you very much!! I am absolutely stoked to have won it and honoured that I was chosen to receive it!”
Celebrating outstanding student achievement
Luca’s dedication and growing skillset are also clear to his teacher, Lukas Page (Carpentry, Joinery, Shopfitting & Cabinetmaking), who highlighted the strengths Luca brings to his apprenticeship:
“Luca has demonstrated exceptional commitment to his apprenticeship and has consistently excelled in both his theoretical and practical work. As a student, Luca is always punctual and approaches every task with a positive attitude. His enthusiasm for learning and keen attention to detail are evident in the high standard of work he consistently produces. He is not only a dedicated student but also a proactive one - showing a genuine interest in developing his skills and continually seeking ways to improve.”
These stories highlight exactly what the scholarship aims to champion—students with talent, commitment and ambition.
A scholarship to build a strong future
The Selleys ‘Stick With It’ Scholarship celebrates and supports an outstanding student who has shown exceptional skill, perseverance and a genuine passion for their trade. Awarded to a final year Melbourne Polytechnic student who embodies Selleys’ values and demonstrates entrepreneurial spirit, the scholarship is designed to give them a leg up in starting their own business or entrepreneurial venture. This scholarship aims to back the next generation of tradies who are dedicated to mastering their craft and building a solid future in the industry values that have driven Selleys for over 80 years.
Built for emerging tradespeople who show commitment, drive and a passion for craftsmanship, this scholarship supports those who are ready to innovate and build their own path within the industry.
The Selleys ‘Stick With It’ Scholarship is open to final-year students enrolled in the following Melbourne Polytechnic programs:
Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology MSF30322
Certificate III in Carpentry CPC30220
Certificate III in Joinery CPC31920
Certificate III in Shopfitting CPC30120
Only one student is awarded the $10,000 scholarship prize annually, making it a highly competitive and meaningful achievement.
Applicants are assessed on their personal story, challenges overcome, passion for the trade and a written statement outlining their business goals and ideas. Students are encouraged to submit sketches, concept plans, portfolios, or other creative materials that showcase their initiative and entrepreneurial thinking.
Honouring the legacy of Martin Selley
The scholarship proudly reflects the values of Martin Selley, founder of the iconic Selleys brand. Born in Germany in 1897 and forced to flee Nazi persecution, Martin arrived in Australia in 1939 with his family and only a few pounds to his name. Through grit, craftsmanship and relentless determination, he built a company that set new standards for quality in the building and repair industry.
His legacy continues to inspire today’s young tradies—especially those forging their own path with resilience and ambition.
As Endi Asmira, Global Marketing Director at Selleys, shares:
“Reflecting on our founder, Martin Selley, and his unwavering commitment to perfecting his craft, I am truly inspired by the determination we see in today’s young tradespeople. They embrace challenges, learn from every setback and continually strive for excellence… It’s about championing the next generation who embody resilience and a passion for mastering their trade.”
Why study carpentry at Melbourne Polytechnic?
Melbourne Polytechnic is known for producing highly skilled carpenters, joiners and shopfitters who are industry-ready from day one. Students benefit from:
- Hands-on training in purpose-built workshops
- Experienced teachers with real-world industry backgrounds
- Strong employer connections and apprenticeship pathways
- Support for students looking to become self-employed or start their own business
- Industry-connected trades scholarships
- Free TAFE to make the first step into the industry easier for Certificate II in Building and Construction 22614VIC (Carpentry & Joinery/Shopfitting/Stairbuilding) students.
With strong demand for qualified carpenters across Australia, studying Carpentry or Joinery at Melbourne Polytechnic is a practical, future-proof choice for students who enjoy problem-solving, craftsmanship and working with their hands.
Building your future one step at a time
The Selleys ‘Stick With It’ Scholarship is about more than financial support, it’s about backing hardworking students who show promise not only as tradespeople, but as future business owners, innovators and leaders in the industry.
Whether your dream is to become a skilled carpenter, launch your own trade business, or contribute to shaping Australia’s built environment, this scholarship helps you “stick with it” and build a strong foundation for your future.
For further information on the Selleys ‘Stick With It’ Scholarship and to search other scholarships available to Melbourne Polytechnic students, check our Scholarships page for updates.
Construction Trades
If you’ve dreamed of working with your hands, working for yourself and being part of an industry that’s always in demand, studying Construction Trades is the first step towards a successful future.