Three Central Coast students will get vital on-the-job experience as part of a scholarship scheme that will also help meet the cost of their university study.
This is the first time the University of Newcastle Industry Scholarship Scheme (UNISS) has offered incentives for nursing and teaching students, to not only help with study costs, but gain work experience in their chosen field by helping to deliver programs offered by Central Coast Youth Connections.
"I can't believe my luck at winning the scholarship," said 38-year-old Greenpoint mum Angela Parfitt, who is in her first year of studying for an education degree at the University of Newcastle Central Coast campus.
"I have always wanted to be a teacher and this scholarship will mean I won't have to go and get a job to cover my study costs. Being a bit older than most other education students, it will also give me an advantage when I start look for work."
The scholarships have been provided by Youth Connections with $36,000 offered over three years to Shelly Beach nursing student Samantha Scheffer and $44,000 over four years to Lisarow education student Sarah-Jane Tobias and Mrs Parfitt. A fourth scholarship has been awarded to Newcastle-based nursing student Katrina Adams.
Youth Connections CEO, Maggie MacFie, said the scholarships were offered by the Tuggerah-based youth education and training service, as a way of giving back to the broader community by nurturing the nurses and teachers of tomorrow.
"One of our students we've agreed to place, Angela Parfitt, displayed a determination to shape a new path at a mature age despite all the responsibilities of family life. We hope that if she is successful in completing her teaching training that she might elect to become part of shaping our organisation's mission to provide opportunities for young people to transition from education, training and employment."
UNISS manager Angela Samuels said the two nursing and two teaching scholarships offered in partnership with Youth Connections add to the 300 industry-linked scholarships offered with the support of businesses and locals.
"Teaching and nursing are two of the most popular courses offered by the University at the Central Coast campus and it is exciting that Youth Connections has come on board to provide financial support and on-the-job experience for these students."
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: UNISS Scholarship recipient Angela Parfitt and Youth Connections staff is available for photograph and interview.
