Round Four of the Commonwealth Scholarships Program for Young Australians is now open for young people aged 15-24, as well as veterans, in selected regions of Australia.
The program is helping young people work towards a career in a growth industry in their region. Over 550 scholarships have been accepted in the first three rounds.
The scholarships are available for study pathways towards a wide range of occupations including, Aged and Disability Care, Nursing and Child Care.
The program helped Nara-Lee Scott from Shepparton, study a Certificate IV in Community Services and complete an internship at Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre.
Nara-Lee said her course has taught her a lot and that she ‘enjoyed learning about different types of community inclusions’.
“They gave me an opportunity to turn my life around and make my future better for myself and my family,’ Nara-Lee said.
The program, which was recently expanded to include those who have transitioned from the Australian Defence Force in the past two years, will connect participants with local workplaces in growth industries.
The scholarships support students through their VET training by providing study assistance of up to $5,000 per year for two years, along with an additional $3,000 to complete a 20-day paid internship. Host employers can receive $1,500 per intern hosted.
Dain Riley from Townsville used his scholarship to develop his passion for I.T. The scholarship allowed Dain to study a Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and Technology while gaining experience as an intern at Onboard I.T.
Dain says the scholarship has inspired him to continue to look for work in the IT sector.
“I have had very positive steps towards securing employment. All-in-all this whole scholarship has helped me move up the ladder in a career in IT,” said Dain.
The scholarships are intended to build a qualified local workforce for a range of in-demand occupations in the selected region, developed through consultations with regional representatives, with a wide range of qualifications to choose from.
Completing the Commonwealth Scholarship Program has helped open the door to more education opportunities for participants to pursue the career of their dreams.
Minaiyah Higginson used her scholarship to help her complete her Certificate in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, and it has put her on the path to being a teacher.
“[Since finishing] I’ve moved into further study at James Cook University to do a Bachelor of Education (Primary),” Minaiyah said.
Eligible applicants must live in the following areas:
- New South Wales – Grafton (including Coffs Harbour) and Gosford
- Northern Territory – Alice Springs
- Queensland – Maryborough and Townsville
- South Australia – Port Pirie
- Tasmania – Burnie
- Victoria – Shepparton
- Western Australia – Wanneroo and Armadale
The Australian Government has expanded the program, in light of the COVID-19 virus pandemic, with an extra $2.9 million allocated in the 2021-22 Federal Budget.
