-- Graham Young Phone: 61 7 3252 1470 W 61 7 3252 1471 F 0411 104 801 M Home Page: http://www.onlineopinion.com.au
Education, HON. DEAN WELLS 14/10/99 Teaching Scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students The Beattie Labor Government today launched 20 scholarships valued at up to $20,000 for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people interested in a teaching career. Education Minister Dean Wells said the new scholarships were part of the government's plan to create a teaching workforce that was more reflective of its client base, and to provide employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. "We want Indigenous people to be trained to work as fully fledged teachers in their own communities, and for them to provide important cross-cultural experiences for non-Indigenous students," he said. "Indigenous people in the teaching profession play an important role in the reconciliation process, by helping to build respect among young Queenslanders of all backgrounds. "The scholarships will provide financial assistance for students to complete a Bachelor of Education at a Queensland university," he said. "Scholarships for successful applicants entering a four year Bachelor of Education are valued at a maximum of $20 000. "Scholarships for successful applicants commencing a post graduate two year Bachelor of Education are valued at a maximum of $10 000." Mr Wells said that scholarship holders were guaranteed employment with Education Queensland after the satisfactory completion of their course. "Employment is conditional to the scholarship holder maintaining teacher registration and being willing to be employed in any geographical location in Queensland. " Scholarships are available for: ¨ Students currently in year 12 ¨ Current Employees of Education Queensland ¨ Non-School Leavers ¨ Post Graduate students. Mr Wells said students could get further information by telephoning 323 79984 or 323 71307 or via the internet at http://www.qed.qld.gov.au/workdept/wprk.htm Applications close on Tuesday, November 30, at 5:00pm. Media Enquiries: Alexandra Wake on (07) 3237 9927, 0414 287 847 http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au
