Applications are now open for the 2017 round of the ‘Expanding career options for women’ scholarship program.
Local Member Mia Davies MLA said the scholarships could assist women to gain employment or broaden their career options in a wide variety of industry areas and trades.
“They are targeted to areas where female participation makes up less than 25 per cent of the total workforce,” Ms Davies said.
Year 12 students will be included for the first time in the State Government’s successful training scholarship program.
“I encourage local school leavers to apply, as a scholarship would provide them with the opportunity to get started on their career as soon as they complete high school,” she said.
More than 200 scholarship places have been offered since the program began in areas including engineering, building and construction, work health and safety, IT, management and horticulture.
Esmeralda Harmer, of York, was awarded one of the scholarships during the first round of the program.
“York’s Esmeralda Harmer was awarded a scholarship to study a Diploma of Local Government (Administration) and she has also recently secured a position with the Shire of York as its new Community and Economic Development Officer,” Ms Davies said.
“It’s fantastic to see this program opening doors for local women like Esmeralda by providing them with a more extensive range of career options. I hope other local women take advantage of this great program.”
Up to 400 scholarships, over four years, to the value of $3000 each will be available to women who undertake training at Certificate II level or above in eligible qualifications. There are more than 180 qualifications to choose from.
Eligible women undertaking apprenticeships or traineeships will receive $1000, with $2000 provided as an incentive for employers and to help with training costs.
Scholarships may be used towards a range of associated costs, such as student fees, learning resources, mentoring, coaching, accommodation, transport and childcare fees.
The scholarship program is supported by the Construction Training Fund. Applications for the 2017 round close on October 31, 2016. For more information, visit http://www.dtwd.wa.gov.au/dtwcorporateinfo/policiesandguidelines/Pages/Expanding-career-options-for-women.aspx
For media enquiries please contact Mia Davies on 08 9041 1702 (Merredin office), 08 9622 2871 (Northam office) or email mia.davies@mp.wa.gov.au
