Fee-free training for young people in care
Fee-free scholarships have been extended for young people (15-30 years) who are in, or have left, out-of-home care.
The scholarships fall under the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled initiative and provide people with the skills they need to find a secure career.
Bryan, a 17-year-old who is in out-of-home care and studying full-time at TAFE NSW said the fee-free scholarship would be a great help.
“I really want to have a career in welding and engineering - I’ve always wanted to work with my hands - and this money will make such a difference to my studies.”
Minister for Family and Community Services Brad Hazzard said young people don’t end up in out-of-home care if life has been easy.
“This opportunity makes access to vocational training a little easier for them,” he said.
Fifty thousand scholarships are available each year, and the NSW Government will invest up to $1 million per year for fee-free scholarships for qualifications up to Certificate IV.
Young people can choose from more than 600 qualifications and those already enrolled in an eligible course can also apply for a fee-free scholarship.