40 major public and private sector organisations and 4 universities have joined together for a new elite work place program for financial services in Australia - the Axiss Scholar Programme.
The Hon. Joe Hockey, Minister for Financial Services and Regulation, launched the Axiss Scholar Programme today.
The programme, developed by Axiss Australia, is aimed at the top tier of final year finance students at Australian universities. The students and supporting organisations are matched for one semester of paid full time work experience in their final year of study.
Minister Hockey said "The organisations involved are amongst the leaders in their field and I salute their vision in being the initial supporters in this programme.
"I think this is a win-win for everyone involved," said the Minister. "The sponsoring institutions get the cream of the student pool to recruit from; the students get that important work experience; and the universities build closer relationships with the employers and provide their students with better chances for success in their careers.
Australia is already recognised worldwide for its excellence in tertiary education. In 1999/2000, the sector attracted the largest number of overseas students so far and education exports are expected to top $3.7 billion in 2000.
"I expect that the Axiss Scholars will be regarded as the elite of the finance community in coming years," the Minister said. "Graduates with relevant practical experience will be a valuable commodity in the future as financial services expands and changes at an escalating pace. Finance and related industries will increasingly look for people who can hit the ground running."
The program starts in 2001 with applications currently being accepted by Axiss from final year degree, double degree and honours students.