THE HON. ALAN GRIFFIN MP
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
005/2010
760 students to receive Defence Technical Scholarships
Alan Griffin, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel, today
announced the 2010 recipients of the Defence Technical Scholarships, with a total
value of almost $2 million.
“I’m pleased to announce that 760 students from across Australia, including the five
here today from Gisborne Secondary College in Victoria, have been awarded
Defence Technical Scholarships,” Mr Griffin said.
“This is a wonderful result for the second year of these awards and I am very pleased
to have been able to present the official certificates and cheques to these students.
“I would like to congratulate all Scholarship recipients on their achievement.”
Speaking at Gisborne Secondary College, Mr Griffin was able to see first hand what
some of the Scholarship recipients were studying and speak with them about their
future goals.
“These Scholarships will be invaluable for all student recipients providing them with
financial assistance towards their future technical trade career goals,” he said.
“As the economy continues to strengthen, the shortages of skilled technical
tradespeople across all areas of industry will increase and this is expected to impact
on the recruitment targets of the Australian Defence Force.
“Anticipating this labour market tightening, the Government has designed this
initiative to increase the numbers of skilled tradespeople in the Australian Defence
Force in the medium-term.
“Indeed, as part of the Scholarship selection process, students had to successfully
demonstrate a genuine interest in pursuing an Australian Defence Force trade
career, however, they remain under no obligation to join the Australian Defence
Force on completion of their Scholarship,” he said.
Recipient students will be receiving Scholarships of $2,000 for Year 11 or $3,000 for
Year 12. Last year, recipients used the award money to purchase new tools,
computers and other equipment.
“I strongly encourage all students interested in a technical trade career to look at
what the Australian Defence Force and what these Scholarships have to offer,” Mr
Griffin said.
More detailed information on the Scholarships can be found on the DefenceJobs
Media contacts:
Sasha Nimmo (Alan Griffin):
0437 863 109
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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