The NSW Nationals in the state government have awarded 95 Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships for 2020 worth a total of $1.425 million.
The scholarships are worth $5000 each year over three years. They support apprentices who are experiencing financial or personal hardship, demonstrate a high aptitude for vocational education and training, and are committed to their on and off the job training.
NSW Nationals Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said scholarship winners had shown tremendous determination to develop their skills in vocational education and training and should be commended for it.
“I congratulate local winner Simon Kelly-Wynne of Toormina, who is an apprentice sheet metal worker at Faircloth & Reynolds,” Mr Singh said.
“A Bert Evans scholarship is a tremendous honour. The NSW Nationals in the state government will always back apprentices like Simon and look for opportunities to assist them in their educational journey.
“I encourage all our apprentices to continue developing their skills to enhance their careers.”
The scholarship program is named in honour of the late Bert Evans AO, a passionate advocate of vocational education for more than 30 years.
The NSW Nationals believe an apprenticeship is a great way to kickstart a career, and apprentices are vital to growth in the regions, but we also understand it’s not always easy to complete a qualification. In some cases, they may be the sole supporters of their family and have difficulty buying tools for their trade while others travel hundreds of kilometres just to attend their formal training. This support is particularly relevant as part of the NSW Nationals in the state government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
