Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to education and training in the Gloucester region, Stratford Coal's Education Support Program continues to provide funding for the next generation of young students.
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In 2020, $30,000 has been allocated in funding to help support students and businesses in the Gloucester basin, with the formal application process set to close on Friday, January 31.
Chairman of the support program's committee, John Walton said since the commencement of mining in 1995, Stratford Coal had contributed more than $700,000 to locally based community and training initiatives via the Education Support Program.
"During that time, we are pleased to announce the funding has made a genuine difference to the lives of 180 tertiary students, 125 apprentices and 55 businesses, as we have worked together to encourage the trades people of the future," Mr Walton said.
Further to the education program, the committee has also provided another $60,000 to local schools for use across a variety of local support services.
Operations manager for Stratford Coal John Cullen said the company is proud to be able to provide continuing support to Gloucester region students to kick-start their careers and help provide a path towards future employment.
"The Stratford and Duralie operations play an important role in the Gloucester community and we are very grateful for the continued assistance of the committee and MidCoast Council in allocating the funds where they are needed most," Mr Cullen said.
With the program's funding determined by the number of employees at the Stratford and Duralie operations, the 2020 allocation has increased.
The committee, on behalf of the 300 plus students and 50 business of Gloucester, expressed its thanks and appreciation to Stratford Coal for its past and ongoing support.
Future funding will be provided by the continuation of mining at Yancoal's Stratford Coal Mine, combined with a contribution from the Duralie Coal Mine.
The Education Support Fund has an annual allocation of funding for the following categories:
- Tertiary Assistance Scholarships,
- TAFE Course and School-based Apprenticeships/Traineeships and
- Local Business subsidies for Apprenticeships/Traineeships.
Applications for 2020 year funding will close on January 31 and are available from the MidCoast Council's Gloucester and Stroud administration office and online at the Stratford coal website.
Late applications will not be accepted.
