AFA welcomes skills and education scholarships to ease transition from military life.

Vocational education and training scholarships of up to $13,000 for young Australians and veterans of any age in targeted regional areas have been welcomed by the Air Force Association (AFA).

AFA President Carl Schiller said the scholarships were designed to lead to career development opportunities for anyone transitioning from the Australian Defence Force to civilian life in the past two years.

Round Four of the Commonwealth Scholarships Program for Young Australians has $5,000 on offer per year for two years, along with an additional $3,000 if successful candidates also complete a 20-day paid internship.

Applications close 11 March 2022 and target these regional areas:

• New South Wales – Grafton (including Coffs Harbour) and Gosford
• Northern Territory – Alice Springs
• Queensland – Maryborough and Townsville
• South Australia – Port Pirie
• Tasmania – Burnie
• Victoria – Shepparton
• Western Australia – Wanneroo and Armadale

In a recent media release, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said: “Transitioning from the military to civilian life can be a difficult time and these scholarships will help give veterans additional skills and qualifications on top of their valuable military experience. Australian businesses already recognise the significant benefits that former ADF personnel can bring to a workplace, and further expanding training and employment opportunities for our ex-service personnel is a win for veterans, business and the Australian economy.”

Applicants – whether people aged 15–24 or former ADF of any age who have transitioned in the past two years – are eligible but must not be in full-time work or study at the time of applying.  Their intention must be to gain an eligible vocational education and training qualification at one of the following levels: Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma.