Returning to Earning Grants - A Victorian Government Iniative

I was reading this morning about Online Study for return to the workforce Mums and came upon this Victorian Government Initative and thought it was worthwhile sharing.

The Returning to Earning program provides support to parents to return to work after an absence caring for children. Grants of up to $1000 are available which can be used to cover any costs associated with approved training.

The grant can provide for:

• Course fees
• Payment of Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) fees for the first year of a university course
• First year Higher Education student contribution
• Child care to cover the parent’s attendance at training
• Broadband access where the participant is studying by remote access (distance learning)
• Transport costs incurred to attend training where there is demonstrated need
• Course materials such as prescribed books and software required for the course or other prescribed tools and equipment required for the course
• Uniforms required for specific training e.g. hospitality uniform.

From the website they say that they are not extending any more grants for 2008 but to keep an eye on the website for 2009. I suggest that if you are interested to call their enquiry line on 1 300 303 413

What a great initiative. I really hope that they look at both returning the program and expanding on the number of grants .. or maybe this would be better for the Federal Government to take up and expand to make it available to all Australians. Either way great work Victoria!!!