YOUNG Australians and veterans across the Mid North Coast can now apply for scholarships of up to $13,000 to cover the costs of an eligible vocational education and training (VET) qualification and internship.

Round Four of the Morrison Government’s Commonwealth Scholarships Program for Young Australians is open, with up to $5,000 on offer per year for up to two years, along with an additional $3,000 for eligible applicants who also complete a 20-day paid internship.

Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert, himself a veteran, said better supporting young people and those transitioning from military service will strengthen Australia’s workforce.

“This program will help Aussies get into jobs and is part of the Morrison Government’s record $7.1 billion investment in skills and training across the nation,” Minister Robert said.

“We’re already seeing hundreds of thousands of Australians upskilling or reskilling thanks to programs like this, as well as the JobTrainer Fund and our investment in free TAFE and apprenticeships, which are all helping drive our economic recovery through getting locals into jobs.”

Pat Conaghan, Federal Member for Cowper, said it is a great opportunity for Mid North Coast residents to be at the front of the queue for a high-quality job.

“This support will provide a helping hand to get your career on track and help young people across our community in Cowper get valuable qualifications setting them up for the future,” Mr Conaghan said.

“Further expanding these opportunities is also a win-win for our wonderful veterans and the Australian economy.”

Young people aged 15-24 years old are eligible for a scholarship but must not be in full-time work or study at the time of applying and intend on taking an eligible VET qualification from Certificate III through to an Advanced Diploma.

Host employers can receive $1,500 per intern hosted, with Cowper one of 10 regions in Australia to benefit from the program.

The program was recently expanded to include those who have transitioned from the Australian Defence Force in the past two years.

Applications close on 11 March 2022.

For more details on how to apply, visit: www.dese.gov.au/commonwealth-scholarships-program-young-australians.