Umina residents Jarred McElligott and Isabelle Southon are just two successful recipients from the last round of Commonwealth Scholarships for Young Australians,
With the third round having opened for applications on October 26, Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch is encouraging other Peninsula VET students to apply.
The total skills package will provide $585M to VET students across Australia, with the aim of delivering skills for today and into the future.
McElligott and Southon are both working towards qualifications in mental health at Gosford TAFE.
Southon said the funding had helped her reach her goals.
“This funding provides finance for my mental health course and services I need to complete the course from photocopying to purchasing text books, and it helps me work towards my dream,” she said.
“I aspire to be a social worker and help kids who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and I also strive to be my brother’s role model.”
McElligott said the funding had been “amazing”.
“It has paid for all of my expenses related to my Certificate IV in Mental Health, and I’ll even be paid for completing my Work Placement,” he said.
Tesch said the program was a brilliant opportunity for students.
“These are just two of the many hardworking VET students on the Central Coast, studying and striving to be the very best,” she said.
“There are so many scholarships up for grabs in the Gosford area and you have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain by submitting an application.”
Regional Scholarship Coordinator for the Central Coast from BUSY At Work, Zoe Goddard, said she would like to see more young people taking part.
“I have loved working with Isabelle and Jarred throughout this process, assisting with applications and mentoring them throughout their studies as well as helping them with their Work Placements,” she said.
“I’m all about making study options more accessible and I am looking forward to being able to assist many others of our local youth in their journey.”
The scholarship offers up to $13,000 for two years of study for those aged 15-24 living in the Gosford region, including the Peninsula, and allows for flexibility to study online.
Recipients can use the scholarship funds for any study purposes including travel costs, tutors, computers and stationery.
Source:
Media release, Oct 29
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch