Dave Layzell MP, Member for Upper Hunter today announced that the NSW Government is continuing to prioritise student wellbeing by ensuring a strong pipeline of qualified mental health professionals in our schools.
Mr Layzell said the impacts of COVID-19, drought, flooding and bushfires have played out within our school communities, making mental health a key challenge facing young people across the state.
“The Nationals in Government are committed to supporting our students through these challenges by providing over 80 scholarships this year to encourage aspiring counsellors and graduate psychologists to choose a rewarding career within the school counselling service,” Mr Layzell said.
“The scholarship was a great way to attract graduates into regional areas and encourage existing teachers to train as mental health professionals and support students.
“Choosing a rewarding career as a school counsellor or psychologist means you will have an opportunity to have meaningful impact on students’ lives.
“It is so important that mental health professionals work collaboratively with our local teachers, families, school leaders and the wider community to help create that supportive learning environment our students need.”
There are three scholarships on offer, including; a training program for teachers to become a school counsellor; a program for psychology graduates to gain experience in schools; and a rural scholarship program for participants with an existing psychology qualification to work in rural and remote schools while completing their masters.
This year is the first year the NSW Department of Education will have graduates completing a rural training pathway for school psychologists.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the scholarship will cover the cost of tuition fees up to $30,000.
“School counsellors and psychologists are so important for our communities, especially during challenging periods with uncertainties like COVID-19. They can make a real difference to the lives of children and young people, and we want to encourage more graduates to consider meaningful careers in our schools,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Expanding the school counselling service is one of a number of strategies in place to increase mental health and wellbeing supports in our schools.”
Information and application details for the school counsellor and school psychologist scholarship program are on the NSW Department of Education website at: https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/careers-at-education/scholarships-and-programs/scholarships/school-counselling-services-and-scholarships
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