Congratulations to the CPSU Skills/Qualifications Grants recipients for 2012.
Each year the CPSU calls for members who are undertaking a course of study to apply for one of ten grants, of up to $2,500 each, to assist them in improving their skills and qualifications.
What is the grant?
The CPSU Skills/Qualifications Grants Program was introduced in 2010 to support members seeking to better their careers by undertaking tertiary study.
As CPSU National Secretary Nadine Flood said, "We know that many CPSU members take up study to improve their careers and that can sometimes be a juggling act with work. As a union, we wanted to find a way to provide practical support to our members who are balancing work and study."
How has it helped?
Lee Forace, who works for FaHCSIA, is one recipient of a 2012 grant which he is using to help gain a Graduate Certificate of Strategic Leadership as part of a Masters of Business Administration.
Lee, a CPSU member for four years and recent delegate said, "The $2,500 grant gives me the ability to almost cover the next two subjects in my degree. This will provide a great level of certainty for the next year.
"I applied for the scholarship as I believe that union values become and more, and not less, important as I progress in my career, particularly as I take on supervisory and management positions," he said.
Other recipients
Congratulations to the other successful applicants: Sean Mullins, DPP; Stephen Smithers, DHS; Amanda Alford, ALRC; David McGill, ABC; Julie Cairnes, DHS; Paul Reid, ATO; Sherrin Caulfield, ATO; Vanesha Knights, NT Gov and Erik Rasmussen, ATO.
Criteria for the CPSU Skills/Qualifications Grants Program
Grants will be available to CPSU members undertaking undergraduate, post graduate or vocational study at a recognised tertiary institution.
Participants will need to demonstrate the relevance of the proposed course of study to their career development in CPSU membership areas.
CPSU grants are not available for study costs already funded by an employer under a study leave or similar scheme.
Grants may be used to cover course fees, texts, or other study materials and costs.
Payment will be made on production of invoices or receipts for expenditure.
Nominations will be assessed by a panel consisting of one member of the EC and four members of the GC.
When can I apply?
The next round of applications will be called for in November 2012. A notification will be published in CPSUnews.
