EIT is launching second-semester youth scholarships to help meet strong demand for study opportunities provided this year under the Government’s Youth Guarantee scheme.

All 140 Youth Guarantee places allocated to EIT for 2012 have been filled.  Anticipating ongoing interest from 16 and 17-year-olds wanting to enrol under that funding scheme, EIT is establishing its own scholarships for selected single semester courses that can be completed this year.

The eligibility criteria for the EIT Youth Scholarship 2012 will the same as for Youth Guarantee and assistance with transport costs is available under both schemes.

“EIT supports Hawke’s Bay’s youth,” says business relationship manager Paul Hursthouse, “and we want to continue to engage young people in education.  Where schools think it is in the best interests of students , the EIT Youth Scholarship offers them an opportunity to continue striving for educational achievement.”

Limited EIT Youth Scholarships will be available on a first-come-first-served basis.  Recipients will still be able to apply for Youth Guarantee funding if the scheme is extended next year and they meet the eligibility criteria.

The scholarships will be available for the following courses:

• Certificate in Collision Repair (Level 2)
• Certificate in Animal Care (Level 2)
• Certificate in Applied Practical Skills
• Trade Skills (Level 1)
• Land Skills (Level 1)
• Fashion, Beauty, Health and Hair (Level 1)

The Youth Guarantee initiative was established in 2010 to give young people the opportunity to attend vocationally focused courses.   EIT was one of a handful of tertiary education providers chosen for the scheme’s pilot phase.