DEFENCE TECHNICAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN

Applications for the 2010 Defence Technical Scholarships open today with 1500 scholarships available for Year 11 and 12 students across the country.

Successful students will receive either $2000 for Year 11 or $3000 for Year 12.

The Minister for Defence, Science and Personnel, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP, said the scholarships highlight the importance Defence places on technical trades while encouraging students to continue their education.

 “Australia is experiencing a shortage of skilled technical tradespeople across all areas of industry and the Australian Defence Force is not immune.

 “The Government has recognised this shortage and has designed this initiative to help increase the numbers of skilled tradespeople across the nation, and within the Australian Defence Force,” said Mr Snowdon.

 “More than 2000 Schools registered participation for the 2009 Scholarships with close to 600 scholarships being awarded.

 “This was a fantastic result for our first year and I actively encourage young Australians out there considering a technical career to take a look at Defence and these scholarships and apply today,” he said.

As part of the selection process, students who apply for a Defence Technical Scholarship will be asked to demonstrate their interest in pursuing an ADF technical trade career.  Students must also be studying mathematics and a relevant vocational or technical subject. However, scholarship recipients are under no obligation to join the ADF on completion of their study.

Selected Defence Technical Scholarship recipients will get the opportunity to participate in Defence experiences, events and visits during their scholarship year to highlight the many opportunities available to them on completion of a trade qualification.

More detailed information on the Scholarships, including the eligibility criteria, can be found on the Defence jobs home page www.defencejobs.gov.au/DTS.

Applications for the 2010 Defence Technical Scholarships close on 14 August 2009 for all States and Territories.

Media contacts:

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

Defence Media Liaison:                            02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664