Ben Chifley Scholarships 2009

28-01-09

Talented apprentices from country NSW will benefit this year from a $150,000 scholarship program to support students needing financial assistance. 

Nominations are now open for the 2009 Ben Chifley Scholarships, which will be awarded by Premier Nathan Rees.

The annual scholarship program was launched in October last year for apprentices in country NSW who are struggling to make ends meet. 

30 scholarships are available for first, second and third year apprentices with each scholarship being $5,000 a year for a maximum of three years.

Eligible nominees will be assessed by the Board of Vocational Education and Training which will make recommendations to the Premier.

At least two recipients will be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background each year. 

To be eligible, nominees must be Australian citizens, live and work in country NSW and be registered in NSW as an apprentice.

Evidence of financial hardship and aptitude for vocational education will need to be displayed. 

The aim of the scholarship program is to assist apprentices from country NSW who have experienced hardship in their personal circumstances to achieve their potential by successfully completing their trade training.

Nathan Rees said “I want to give country kids who are showing real promise in their chosen field a leg up for their futures. 

Financial hardship should not be a barrier to talented apprentices sticking at their trade and this will give them a much needed helping hand.”