The student at Chisholm TAFE's Berwick campus would have been saddled with a $1260 credit card debt to cover her nursing course fees and textbook costs this year, if not for the TAFE's Caroline Chisholm Education Foundation scholarship scheme.

The scholarships are awarded to more than 50 students to overcome disadvantage in accessing education.

"Thank God [for the scholarship]," Ms Palmer said.

"The financial aspect is difficult. I had to have $800 plus money for textbooks."

Funded by individual and corporate donors, the scholarships target students from specific suburbs, courses and backgrounds.

Ms Palmer, who is in the first year of her certificate IV nursing course, is one of two indigenous recipients receiving $1000 each.

A teacher at Chisholm who knew Ms Palmer was struggling financially alerted her to the scheme.

A "car-obsessed" racer at legal drag races at Calder Park with her father and brother, she loves the "adrenalin rush of driving insanely fast" - reaching speeds of up to 180kmh.

But despite having access to "top-end cars" like Chryslers and Hummers, she decided to quit the car detailing industry in favour of what she saw as a more secure profession.

Through the help of training support group Replay, she secured the first indigenous student traineeship at Cranbourne Integrated Care Centre.

She has since found permanent work as an access health assistant, taking patients out for activities such as lunches and shopping trips.

She's grateful to those who organised and created the position for "sticking their necks on the line" and nurturing her.

"I'm having a ball. A lot of the [clients] have social isolation. If they're elderly, their kids don't come and take them out of the house."

Maryann D'Costa, manager of the Cranbourne-based planned activities group, said the traineeship provided access and equity for indigenous students.

"From a professional point of view, it's been very satisfying to see where Jacqui was when she started with us and to see her really succeeding. This is her passion.

"She was very open about her dreams and involved people in what she wanted to do."

The Chisholm TAFE sponsorship scheme welcomes donations from individuals and businesses.

To help, call Jo Saunders on 9212 5111.