e-Summer School students are getting a head start in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) field after completing a three-week training course today at Kempsey TAFE. Initiated by NSW Premier Bob Carr as a program for disadvantaged high schools across the state, the program gives students the chance to increase their skills in the ICT field.

Fifteen students from years 9 - 11 from Bowraville Central, Kempsey, Macksville, Melville, Nambucca Heads and Wauchope High Schools attended the e-Summer school, which has been sponsored by Optus.

Chris Hancock, Managing Director Optus Business, said the NSW Government and Optus were working together to deliver ICT skills to Kempsey students.

"The e-Summer Schools are helping to build the communications skills pool in NSW. And schools will act as a funnel for our own entry-level recruitment needs.

"Today's school students will be tomorrow's communications specialists," Mr Hancock said.

Virginia Waite, IT Coordinator at Kempsey TAFE, said the students have responded well to the course and took advantage of the opportunity to gain practical experience in the ICT field.

e-Summer Schools are based on a successful model used in Colorado in the United States. Students have been given a cash scholarship to attend the school and training leading to vocational qualifications.

e-Summer Schools were held across NSW, with Optus sponsoring schools in Wagga Wagga, Mt Druitt, Petersham and Lidcombe as well as Kempsey.

For more information:
Donna Clatworthy
Optus Public Affairs
Phone: 02 9342 8343