A SMARTER START TO A DEFENCE TRADE CAREER

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP today announced a new initiative aimed at addressing the critical shortage of skilled technical tradespeople in Australia.

Starting with the 2009 school year, Defence will offer up to 1500 Defence Technical Scholarships to students entering Years 11 and 12, who want to pursue a technical trade career.

“The Australian Defence Force needs talented, capable technical tradespeople,” said Mr Snowdon. 

“We are certainly not immune to the nation-wide shortage of skilled technical tradespeople, and through the Defence Technical Scholarships the ADF is helping keep young people at school longer, so that they build a better foundation for their future trade career.

“This program is the first of its kind, and rewards excellence in those students who are not pursuing a university education.”

Students must be studying a non-modified maths subject and a vocational technical trade subject to be eligible.

Scholarships will be awarded on merit. Year 11 Scholarship recipients will receive $2000 and Year 12 Scholarship recipients will receive $3000.

“Defence Technical Scholarship recipients are under no obligation to join the ADF or the Defence sector on completion of their scholarship, but we hope their exposure to this scheme will show the benefits of service in the ADF,” Mr Snowdon said.

Detailed information on the Scholarships, including the eligibility criteria can be found at: www.defencejobs.gov.au

Media contacts:

Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon):           02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689

Defence Media Liaison:                         02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664