Current and aspiring apprentices experiencing financial and personal hardships can now apply to receive support through the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships.

The scholarships financially support first-year apprentices who have a demonstrated aptitude for vocational education and training (VET).

Valued at $5000 per year for up to three years, the scholarships support apprentices’ studies by funding tools, learning resources, additional training courses and other education-related items.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said apprentices are the future of the workforce.

“By lowering the barriers to training and improving access to learning tools and resources, we can improve learner outcomes and apprenticeship completion rates in the state,” Mr Whan said.

“Cost of living is always a challenge for apprentices. It’s particularly hard if the apprentice faces other disadvantages in their journey.

“This scholarship can be a real help for an apprentice who might otherwise not make it through their program, setting them on a path to a great life and financial stability.”

Established in 2014, the $2.25 million scholarship program supports 150 apprentices and target apprentices every year, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprentices, apprentices with a disability, women in non-traditional trades, mature-aged learners and apprentices from regional NSW.

For 2024 scholarship recipient, Maisen King, the support has meant more autonomy and less financial pressure.

The 17-year-old school-based apprentice is completing his Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician and faced personal hardships growing up. He used to have to borrow a laptop from his school and relied on public Wi-Fi for an internet connection.

Through the scholarship, Maisen has been able to invest in power and hand tools for his first-year toolkit, work boots and pants, and put aside some money towards a car that will help him get to and from work and TAFE.

The scholarship is also funding an unlimited phone plan to provide an internet connection for his education.

“The Bert Evans Scholarship has eased the financial and psychological pressure I was under,” Mr King said.

“Getting to the workplace can be difficult as my dad isn't always able to take me, so I have to rely on the tradesmen I work with to come and pick me up. I’ve put aside some of the money to get a car, which is essential as an electrician.”

To be eligible for a Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship, applicants must be:

• A first-year apprentice, including school-based apprentices, in an approved apprenticeship in NSW

• Employed by an employer based in NSW

• Experiencing financial hardship at the time of application

• An Australian citizen or permanent resident.
  

The scholarships are named in honour of the late Bert Evans AO, who championed apprentices, skills development and vocational education and training across the state.

Applications are open until 31 August 2025. More information can be found on the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships webpage.