Aspiring kindergarten teachers in Benalla could soon benefit from an additional 300 scholarships on offer to help kick-start their career in the early education sector.
The State Government last week announced it would allocate $3.82million towards additional scholarships and bonuses to support those pursuing jobs in the field.
Furthermore a $9000 incentive will be used to support early childhood teachers who relocate to areas where three-year-old kinders are introduced.
Education Minister James Merlino said said that Labor is committed to delivering universal three-year-old kinder for all children during the next 10 years.
‘‘Early childhood education has become one of Victoria’s fastest growing professions. Introducing universal three-year-old kindergarten is one of the biggest social reforms in Victoria’s history,’’ Mr Merlino said.
‘‘There’s never been a better time to be an early childhood teacher.’’
With the introduction of three-year-old kinder expected to create up to 7000 new jobs, an additional 4000 kinder teachers and 2000 early child educators are needed as the program continues to expand across the state.
State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said these scholarships would help to cover the costs of study, including course fees and study materials.
Up to 700 scholarships will now be available through the funding which is set to start in 2020.
●To apply, visit: www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/professionals/profdev/Pages/scholarships.aspx