Two mature-aged apprentices at Sydney Trains are starting 2026 on track with their careers as recipients of the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships which help apprentices overcome hardships to complete their training.

Both based in maintenance, Christopher and Ahmed are working and studying towards their accreditations while also supporting their families.

Facing financial hardship as the sole provider for his family, Christopher undertook a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical to progress his career into operations management.

“I was a trade assistant with Sydney Trains before my apprenticeship and I wanted to contribute more and be part of the frontline team that keeps Sydney communities moving safely,” Christopher said. “I get satisfaction from connecting communities with their loved ones,”

The Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships will see recipients receive $5,000 per year for three years while undertaking their apprenticeship.

“I have four children and the [scholarship grant] will be going to their needs for school and living expenses. I am very grateful for this opportunity given how expensive everything can be,” Christopher said.

Having migrated to Australia three years ago with his wife and two children, Ahmed was encouraged by a friend to build a stable, long-term career by pursuing an apprenticeship.

“I worked as an interpreter in Iraq and have a degree as a technical engineer,” Ahmed said. “Now that I am in Australia, I want to go to university after my apprenticeship and become an electrical engineer.”

Working towards his Certificate III in Electrotechnology – Electrician, Ahmed said the grant would directly reduce pressures that could have disrupted his training progression and completion.

“The [grant] will be going towards my family, bills and rent, as well as paying for equipment in my toolkit.”

Christopher and Ahmed were hired last year under the 1,000 NSW Public Sector Apprentices and Trainees Program.

Since the program rolled out in 2023, Sydney Trains has employed 163 new apprentices, with 73 of them funded under this program. Another 46 workers are also part of this year’s program intake with Sydney Trains.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan commended the learners on their success and wished them luck with their training.

“Our 2026 Bert Evans Scholarship recipients represent the future of our skilled workforce,” Mr Whan said. “Along with our 1,000 Apprentices and Trainees Program participants, they’re building careers that will keep NSW strong by ensuring we have a pipeline of skilled workers to continue delivery of essential public services.”

Mr Whan also announced a 50 per cent increase in the number of Bert Evans Scholarships granted.

The extra funding has allowed a record 225 scholarships to be awarded in 2025, with the same number planned for 2026.