Scholarships for rural vocational students

Young people from regional Victoria looking to undertake vocational education or training have the opportunity to apply for a new scholarship to assist in meeting the costs associated with their studies.

 The Rural Chances scholarship is an initiative of the Macpherson Smith Rural Foundation and is available to young Victorians aspiring to or who are studying at TAFE or undertaking an apprenticeship.

 Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath has welcomed the news that the scholarship program is now on offer to all parts of regional Victoria.

 “The Macpherson Smith Rural Foundation is leading the way in support for students from rural and regional parts of Victoria,” Ms Bath said.

 “The 2018 Rural Chances scholarship is offering ten scholarships valued at $5,000 and a further ten smaller scholarships of up to $2,000 each to assist rural students in gaining a qualification.”

 “Rural Chances scholarship recipients also receive extra care and guidance by way of mentoring, networking opportunities and leadership development.”

 “I encourage young people from all across Gippsland who are looking at undertaking vocational training to consider applying for one of these scholarships.”

 Applicants must be between 16 and 24 years of age, hold a current Centrelink health care card or can demonstrate financial hardship, and be planning to train in an area where there are skills shortages in rural or regional Victoria.

 Applications close on Wednesday 20 December 2017.

 Further information, including details of eligibility and how to apply, can be obtained from the foundation website, www.msrf.org.au/ruralchances.