Geospatial Information & Technology Association

The GITA Board has approved the creation of a Bursary scheme in order to promote the pursuit of careers in Geospatial Information in Australia and New Zealand.

Course Ideas

Background

Over the past 18 months, industry groups, academia and Defence have all raised concern over the growing skills shortage in the geospatial information and technology sector.

In recent years, over 50% of Geospatial graduates have moved into traditional surveying fields leaving only a small number to fill an increasing need for geospatial information and technology professionals.

GITA is well positioned to take a lead role in arresting this decline.

Aim

The aim of the Bursary Scheme is to promote the pursuit of careers in Geospatial Information and Technology.

The Bursary

A number of bursaries are to be awarded each year to selected students enrolled in an approved geospatial course at a recognized tertiary institution in Australia or New Zealand. The bursaries will be awarded on the basis of academic merit as well as other selection criteria as determined by the selection panel.

Each bursary is valued at a total of $5,000 over three years, distributed evenly at the begining of each semester.

GITA member organisations are encouraged to support this scheme and, in particular, sponsor students who undertake four or five year courses in their final year(s) of study.

Bursary winners will be provided with complimentary attendance at GITA Conferences and, where applicable, a GITA Seminar. Students in their third year of study will be expected to make a presentation at a Seminar or the Annual Conference. GITA member organizations are encouraged to support this scheme.

A GIS employment forum will be considered for inclusion in each GITA Annual Conference.

Selection

A panel comprising not less than three members of GITA will be formed each year to select the GITA Bursary winners. This panel will be chaired by a GITA Director.

The scheme will initially run for a period of three years commencing in 2007 with a review of the scheme in 2009.

The Bursary Scheme is currently under review.