Media release
From the Minister for Regional and Rural Development
Monday, 20 September, 2010
$12.5 MILLION CALL FOR STUDENTS TO WORK IN REGIONS
Regional Victorian students studying at a tertiary level away from home will be given a big incentive to return under a new $12.5 million work experience program launched today.
Regional and Rural Development Minister Jacinta Allan today opened applications for the $12.5 million Young Professionals Provincial Cadetships Program.
Ms Allan said the program would help to strengthen regional and rural economies by encouraging young people to return to and work in regional areas in their chosen field.
“We know that young regional Victorians who study away from home are more likely to return if they retain a connection during their studies,” she said.
“That’s why under this $12.5 million program, 1500 tertiary students studying away from home will be able to return during their holidays to work with a local employer and gain valuable work experience in their field of study.
“This will help to encourage young people to stay in, or return to, regional and rural Victoria, and ensure local economies continue to thrive.”
Ms Allan said young people and interested businesses could now apply for the program.
“The funding will support both cadet students and their employer, providing incentives for each to take part in the program,” she said.
“It will build on the highly successful Rural Skills Cadetship program which has already helped over 160 students who worked in regional businesses while taking a break from university or TAFE.”
Ms Allan said the cadetship program would also help to address skills shortages in regional and rural areas.
“The employer and cadet will share a connection that could well carry on when the cadet has finished their studies,” Ms Allan said.
“Without this program, they wouldn’t have the opportunity to do this, making it harder to find skilled workers.”
Ms Allan said the new initiative was part of the Brumby Labor Government’s $631 million Ready for Tomorrow: A Blueprint for Regional and Rural Victoria.
“Ready for Tomorrow is our long term strategic plan help our regions prosper and become more sustainable, and to create new opportunities for people to live, work, study and raise a family in regional and rural Victoria,” she said.
For more information about how to apply visit
Media contact: Shaun Inguanzo 0417 555 480 or 9651 5799