The NSW Government is providing $1.5 million to assist apprentices through the annual Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship program, said Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh.
As many as 100 scholarships worth $15,000 each will support apprentices who are experiencing financial or personal hardship and demonstrating a commitment to a career in vocational education and training.
Mr Singh said the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship program offers a great incentive for eligible locals to kickstart their career.
“Apprenticeships are vital to ensuring NSW has a pipeline of skilled workers in growth areas but we also understand it’s not always easy to complete a qualification,” Mr Singh said.
“The scholarship program is all about giving aspiring apprentices an opportunity to start, change or further their career.”
A 2020 Bert Evans Scholarship was awarded to Toormina’s Simon Kelly-Wynne, an apprentice sheet metal worker at Faircloth & Reynolds.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the NSW Government is committed to ensuring training for apprentices remains accessible to all.
“As NSW has seen through the global pandemic, apprentices remain a crucial part the state’s economy and make a strong contribution to local businesses and communities,” Mr Lee said.
“I encourage the people of NSW to explore the range of initiatives and programs available to support apprentices, including the Bert Evans Scholarship program and the NSW Government’s fee-free apprenticeships initiative.”
The scholarship program is named in honour of the late Bert Evans AO, a passionate advocate of vocational education for more than 30 years.
Visit www.training.nsw.gov.au/bert_evans_scholarships or phone 13 28 11 for more information and to apply before the 28 May closing date.
