The National Service Vocational Training Scheme
Background Story
As part of the 50th anniversary of the University of Queensland’s Alumni Association, Terry Edwinsmith wrote an article on the National Service Vocational Training Scheme of which many National Servicemen had taken advantage. Terry sought information from Queensland National Servicemen who studied at the University of Queensland before writing his article. You can read his article as it was published by clicking on the following link.
Terry then invited National Servicemen from other parts of Australia to tell of their experience with the scheme. Ron Inglis provided the following information including the images of documents he has about the scheme.
Following on from Terry’s article on the National Service Vocational Training Scheme in Qld, I contribute the following.
On completing BA Dip Ed at Sydney University I went straight into National Service. I had majored in Geography and Economics and was keen to extend my knowledge in the Accounting/Business area. I successfully completed Accounting Principles by correspondence from the University of Queensland while in PNG as a chalkie. The Army paid for this course and its textbooks.
On return I did two years part-time (1973-1974) at the University of New South Wales under the National Service Vocational Training Scheme studying Economics and other business related topics. At the start I thought I would swap over to a career in Accounting. The NSVTS paid all course fees, a textbook allowance and a travel allowance.
As it turned out, after four years at Fort St High School, I decided to stick with teaching and I am glad I did. I know I would have made a lot more money as an accountant but I doubt if it would have given me as much fulfilment, both in Australia and overseas, as did my years in the classroom.
The courses I completed under NSVTS certainly were of value throughout my years as a Social Sciences teacher.
I will send to you four documents:
1. The front cover of the NSVTS booklet (issued 1969) that I have.
2. The table of contents of this booklet showing the extensive range of benefits available under NSVTS.
3. A slip showing the textbook and fares allowance I received in March 1973.
4. A letter informing me that the NSVTS was to be merged into the Commonwealth NEAT scheme in 1975.
Cheers
Ron Inglis
Chalkie 1970-71
Moem and Igam Barracks
