Scholarships now open for veterans and youth in Wide Bay

Applications are now open for youths and veterans in Maryborough, Gympie and the Cooloola Coast for the regional youth vocational education and training Commonwealth Scholarships Program.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said the scholarships would open new opportunities for people in Wide Bay, allowing young people and veterans to train in growing professions including child care and aged care.

“Participants in the program receive up to $10,000 study assistance to complete a vocational education and training course from Certificate III to Advanced Diploma level, plus $3,000 for a work placement or 20-day paid internship with a local business,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The Commonwealth Scholarship Program is designed to help Wide Bay youths kickstart their careers, and also gives priority to ex-defence force personnel who are looking to gain new skills and qualifications as they enter the civilian workforce.”

Mr O’Brien said education and training were critical to equipping the current and future workforce with the skills employers are seeking.

“The program will help make people job-ready, giving them the training, skills and experience our economy needs, both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scholarships are available to ex-defence personnel and young people aged 15 to 24.

Applications for Round 2 opened on 24 April 2020, to apply please visit http://www.busyatwork.com.au/scholarship-program-for-young-australians and more information is available at www.employment.gov.au/delivering-skills-today-and-tomorrow