ACSF joins NSW's $25m tech scholarships program

The Australian Computer Society Foundation (ACSF) has agreed to become an industry partner for the NSW Government’s $25 million tech scholarships program.

The NSW Government has launched a scholarships program for students undertaking vocational training in technology-based growth industries.

The initiative will offer 25,000 scholarships to students across the state as part of the Jobs for Tomorrow program, which seeks to encourage more vocational students to enrol in STEM courses.

Each selected student will receive a $1000 Jobs of Tomorrow scholarship. As part of the program, new industry partnerships will seek to connect STEM students to relevant work and networking opportunities during their training.

As part of its partnership in the program, the ACSF will provide industry mentoring and career advice, access to industry networking opportunities and other such services.

Eligible students must be pursuing one of nearly 70 qualifications at Certificate IV and above.

As an election commitment, the Baird government pledged to create 150,000 new jobs in the state by making it easier for students to learn in-demand skills.

“The NSW economy is growing rapidly and we are focused on educating a highly skilled workforce for the jobs of tomorrow,” NSW Minister for Skills John Barilaro said.

“The addition of [an] industry partnership program means employers will be able to support students during training — through networking, mentoring and professional development opportunities and work experience.”

Besides the ACSF, industry partners in the program also currently include the NSW Business Chamber, the Association of Consulting Surveyors and the Australian Industry Group.

Image courtesy of Mark Morgan under CC