Tuesday, 16 February 2016
YOUNG people between 15-30 years of age who are in, or who have left out-of-home care (OOHC) in the Northern Tablelands are now eligible for fee-free scholarships under the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled program, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said today.
Mr Marshall said the fee-free scholarships would open new doors for local young people and help get them on a career path.
“This initiative means that those in the community who previously may not have had access to TAFE because of their personal situation, now have the opportunity to get new skills to help them start a career,” he said.
“Eligible students can choose from a wide range of courses with more than 600 qualifications on offer.
“Those already enrolled in an eligible course can also apply for a fee-free scholarship which means students who have worked hard to get into a course won’t miss out.
“Young people don’t end up in out-of-home care if life has been easy so this will make access to vocational training a little easier for them to build a promising future.”
Mr Marshall said the state government would invest up to $1 million per year for qualifications up to Certificate IV for young people who are in, or who have left OOHC.
“More than 12,000 young people on welfare and in social housing have already applied for fee-free scholarships and I am pleased we have been able to extend this initiative to those in out-of-home-care,” Mr Marshall said.
“The NSW Government also delivers fee-free training to Indigenous students and people with a disability, and we will continue to provide programs that support those in our community who need it most.”
More information on training under Smart and Skilled is available online at www.smartandskilled.nsw.gov.au