Young people and veterans who live in the Goulburn Valley region can apply for the scholarships, worth up to $13,000, to cover costs of an eligible vocational education qualification and internship.
A total of $5000 a year for the first two years is available alongside an extra $3000 for eligible applicants who also do a 20-day paid internship.
Young people aged 15-24 and Australian Defence Force veterans who are not in full-time work or study are eligible.
They must also intend to complete an eligible VET qualification from certificate III to advanced diploma.
Eligible industries include healthcare and social assistance, construction, arts and recreation services, finance and insurance services, professionals, scientists and technical services and sports and recreation.
For a full list of eligible occupations, visit https://www.busyatwork.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Eligible-occupations-List-1.pdf
Federal Member for Nicholls Damian Drum said the Goulburn Valley region was one of 10 regions, and the only Victorian region, nationally selected for the program.
“This support will provide a helping hand to get your career on track and help young people across our communities get valuable qualifications that will help set them up for the future,” he said.
Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business Minister Stuart Robert said supporting young people and veterans would help strengthen Australia’s workforce.
“This program will help Aussies get into jobs and is part of the Federal Government’s record $7.1 billion investment in skills and training across the nation,” he said.
“We’re already seeing hundreds of thousands of Australians upskilling or reskilling thanks to programs like this which are all helping drive our economic recovery through getting locals into jobs.”
Applications for the scheme close on March 11. For more information, visit https://www.dese.gov.au/commonwealth-scholarships-program-young-australians or call 132 879.