Waiariki Calls For Scholarship Applicants

November 23, 2004

Waiariki Calls For Scholarship Applicants

Sixty-four scholarships aimed at those facing financial or personal barriers to tertiary education are up for grabs at Waiariki Institute of Technology.

The Pathways To Jobs Scholarships will cover the recipients' first year course fees and are worth more than $184,000 in total. They are available across all Waiariki campuses in four regions, Rotorua, Whakatane, Tokoroa and Taupo.

Waiariki CEO Dr Reynold Macpherson says many capable and willing potential students can't commit to tertiary study because of a number of obstacles.

"We want to flatten the barriers. Earlier this year we identified many people faced common difficulties in enrolling for tertiary courses – such as financial limitations, lack of transport, family commitments and access to child care."

Businesses have joined forces with Waiariki to help offer the first annual round of 'Pathways To Jobs Scholarships'.

A number of businesses have offered $500 in sponsorship money or product, which is intended to help cover course-related costs, such as books, transport, childcare or accommodation.

"Trends show that in the future employers will find it increasingly difficult to find skilled workers," Dr Macpherson says. "Business people already know this, so are keen to get involved at a training level now. Those employers that have offered the $500 sponsorship will benefit by having an active part in the training of a student aspiring to work within their industry."

Dr Macpherson says people of any age can apply for a Pathways To Jobs Scholarship. "There's no excuse anymore – and if people still think they face barriers, they should give us a call so we can talk it over. We've put the offer on the table, it's up to the individual now to show their initiative and determination to make the scholarship programme work for them."

Pathways To Jobs Scholarship applications are available online at www.waiariki.ac.nz, by emailing pathway@waiariki.ac.nz or phoning 0800 924 274. Applicants are encouraged to avoid disappointment by submitting their form by December 20, although the final close off date is January 31, 2005.

ENDS

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