DEFENCE TECHNICAL SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

The Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, Minister for Defence, Science and Personnel, today announced the 570 inaugural recipients of the Defence Technical Scholarships 2009.

“The Defence Technical Scholarships reward excellence in those students who are interested in pursuing a technical trade, and I congratulate the 570 students across Australia who have received this prestigious award, “Mr Snowdon said.

“The Australian Defence Force is 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.”

“I am pleased to see, not only that there are successful students from every state including 191 from NSW, 110 for Queensland and 156 from Victoria, but that 35 scholarships have gone to young women. 

“This program is the first of its kind, and the successful students will be receiving Scholarships of $2,000 for Year 11 or $3,000 for Year 12.

“In addition during their Scholarship year they will get the opportunity to participate in Defence experiences, events, base and ship visits, although they are under no obligation to join the ADF on completion of their Scholarship,” Mr Snowdon said.

Students will be notified of the result of their application shortly and schools will be receiving a consolidated list of successful students.

Applications open on June 1 for Defence Technical Scholarships 2010 and all students currently in Year 10 and Year 11 and interested in a technical trade career are strongly encouraged to apply. 

More detailed information on the Scholarships can be found on the DefenceJobs home page defencejobs.gov.au/DTS.

Media contacts:

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

Defence Media Liaison:                         02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664