Peer Work Scholarship Program
Project Overview
The Peer Work Scholarship Program, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care and commissioned by the Queensland Mental Health Commission, was administered by QAMH from March 2023 to January 2025.
The program was designed to remove financial barriers to undertaking the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work (CHC43515), a qualification critical to growing the lived experience workforce in Queensland. Priority was given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and applicants from rural and remote areas, with strong participation achieved from both groups.
Over two years, the program supported 178 people to begin or progress their career as peer workers, directly addressing workforce gaps and creating a stronger pipeline of skilled, recovery-oriented peer workers across Queensland.
Program Delivery and Support
- Scholarships and financial support: Covered course fees (up to $4,000) and provided an additional $1,000 for study expenses such as technology, resources, and travel.
- Mentoring and workshops: Delivered in partnership with Brook RED, group sessions supported students with study skills, peer work practice, self-care, and career development. A First Nations mentoring stream was piloted with the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH).
- Information sessions: Hosted with training providers before each scholarship round to help applicants understand course requirements and peer work roles.
- Induction and administrative support: Guidance through enrolment, assistance with claiming support payments, and drop-in sessions to reduce study barriers.
- Monthly Memo: Regular communication providing key dates, updates, and professional development opportunities to strengthen sector readiness
The Peer Work Scholarship Program reduced financial and practical barriers, fostered professional identity, and helped participants see peer work as a valued career pathway. It demonstrated that targeted financial and mentoring support can transform access to training and strengthen the lived experience workforce. Building on this success, QAMH will continue to advocate for ongoing scholarship opportunities to sustain workforce growth, stronger placement support including paid or traineeship models, and improved course content and trainer consistency that keeps lived experience central.
Impact
The Peer Work Scholarship Program expanded access to education, strengthened the workforce, and broadened the reach of peer work across Queensland:
- Greater access and equity: More than 320 applications were received across five rounds. Among recipients, 8% were First Nations people, 15% spoke English as a second language, and 16% lived in rural or remote areas.
- New entrants to the workforce: Almost half (49%) of scholarship recipients intended to enter the peer workforce for the first time, expanding capacity and bringing fresh perspectives.
- Strong retention and early employment: At program close, 83% remained engaged in study, with seven graduates, most already employed in peer roles.
- Supportive and inclusive experience: Recipients praised the safe and welcoming approach, with one noting: “Thank you so much, this scholarship helped me return to study, something I didn’t think was going to be possible.”
The Peer Work Scholarship Program reduced financial and practical barriers, fostered professional identity, and helped participants see peer work as a valued career pathway. It demonstrated that targeted financial and mentoring support can transform access to training and strengthen the lived experience workforce. Building on this success, QAMH will continue to advocate for ongoing scholarship opportunities to sustain workforce growth, stronger placement support including paid or traineeship models, and improved course content and trainer consistency that keeps lived experience central.