One hundred apprentices across NSW have been awarded a Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship worth a total of $1.5 million, funded by the NSW Government.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke congratulated five local scholarship recipients on their achievement and commitment to vocational education and training.
“The annual scholarships, worth $15,000 over three years, support apprentices who are experiencing financial or personal hardship, demonstrate a high aptitude for vocational education and training, and show a commitment to their training,” Ms Cooke said.
“These grants are also a recognition that while apprenticeships are vital to ensuring our towns and villages have a pipeline of skilled workers, we also understand it’s not always easy to complete an apprenticeship.”
“The scholarship program is all about giving aspiring apprentices an opportunity with some added financial support to help start, change or further their career.”
Ms Anna McGuirk Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology
Ms Georgia Wilson Certificate III in Hairdressing
Mr Hamish Newell Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade
Mr Jake Browne Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Mr Samuel Affleck Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Scholarship recipient Georgia Wilson expressed her gratitude for all the support she has received through this fantastic opportunity.
“Thank you so much to everyone who made it possible for me to be able to receive such a helpful scholarship and for giving me a stepping stone to achieving goals for my future,” Ms Wilson said.
“Being granted the Bert Evans scholarship will allow me to further my education and flourish in the field I’m so passionate about. Having this extra support behind me will open up so many pathways to achieving and doing my best with my apprenticeship.”
“Knowing our community and surrounding areas are able to help people like me achieve higher goals in life really makes me appreciate our educational system tremendously.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the NSW Government is committed to ensuring training for apprentices remains accessible to all.
“A Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity to get ahead and I congratulate the 100 recipients of the scholarships as outstanding apprentices in NSW,” Mr Lee said.
“Where people are supported to engage fully in education, training, skilled employment, or a combination, they are more likely to have a secure economic future and contribute positively to the community.”
“I encourage all the people of NSW to explore the range of initiatives and programs available to support apprentices, including the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship program, as well as NSW Government initiatives such as the JobTrainer program.”
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.
