Investigate the feasibility of establishing School and Technical Scholarships

Summary

​The first phase of the project will be to develop a range of possible options for both the School and Technical Scholarships.  These options will be developed through discussion with stakeholders in the Industry. These discussions will be held by telephone interview, or where possible in meeting with the relevant people.

Any options proposed will need to consider the rural location of most of the employers, barriers to success for those making the switch from Vocational to University Education and how they will be linked with any current Industry programs run by either MLA or MINTRAC.

Any current examples of types of programs being provided in the Industry will be documented, including an assessment of costs and the current effectiveness of the initiatives.

Once a range of options has been developed and discussed, recommendations will be made for the options most likely to meet the needs of the Industry and to have the most likelihood of being effective in drawing people into the program.

For these proposed options, a program structure will be recommended and the estimated cost of providing the sponsorship will be provided.

Background:
MLA currently provides a professional development program that provides a number of programs to encourage graduates into the industry as well as encouraging those in the industry to engage in further study.

MLA now wish to establish if the current program should be extended to provide scholarships to encourage both school leavers and those following Vocational Education (Cert 2 to Advanced Diploma) to study a relevant degree, whilst either working in the industry, or to join the industry on graduation.

School Scholarships would be aimed at encouraging school leavers to study relevant degrees either whilst working in the industry, or studying full-time with work experience in the industry, followed by full-time employment.

Technical Scholarships would be aimed at encouraging those in the industry workforce who have technical and vocational qualifications such as Electricians, Fitters and Turners, or those who have followed the Meat Industry Training Package, to continue their study at degree level whilst continuing their employment.

MINTRAC provides the majority of the VET programs and is also exploring the options for those completing an Advanced Diploma to move to a University course.   Information regarding the status of this project will also be considered in preparing the report.

Outputs: (product, service or technology)
A report to MLA providing feedback to MLA on industry suggestions, academic offerings and gaps that needs to be addressed.
Outcomes: (e.g. technical success, adoption success, further R&D required etc.)