Krystal Hickey of Paxton was awarded a $2000 scholarship, while Kurri Kurri's Alexandra Pearce took home a $500 scholarship from Hunter TAFE Foundation at a ceremony at Kurri Kurri TAFE on Wednesday.

Established in 2000, the foundation is a charitable organisation that works with business, education and community leaders to support TAFE students.

Ms Hickey is studying Mobile Plant Technology Certificate III at Muswellbrook. She was one of two Hunter students awarded a Mining Electrical and Mining Mechanical Engineering Society (MEMMES) Scholarship.

A technical society within Engineers Australia, MEMMES partnered with the foundation to offer the scholarship to encourage further study for workers in the mining industry.

MEMMES National Chair Peter Whipp, said due to the high calibre of applications this year, the selection committee awarded four scholarships rather than the usual two, with the other recipients being from western NSW.

"MEMMES is excited to have doubled our donation in 2019, to $8,000," he said.

"Our goal is to encourage apprentices to further their education and go on to take leading industry roles, as the engineers of the future."

Ms Pearce, who is studying a Diploma of Nursing at Newcastle, was awarded one of five study assistance scholarships. Ms Hickey and Ms Pearce were two of 23 students recognised in the foundation's semester 1 awards and scholarships.

Hunter TAFE Foundation president Gary Webb said the foundation had provided significant financial help to students in the past 20 years.

"We have made the vocational pathway easier for hundreds of people," he said. "Many are now key participants in our local workforce, contributing great value to our local economy."

TAFE NSW regional general manager Susie George said being able to access education and training was a key factor in students securing a solid job.

"I would like to express our gratitude to all the donors and sponsors of the Hunter TAFE Foundation awards and scholarships," she said. "We are looking forward to continuing to work with you to enrich the lives of the students you want to encourage and support."