A prestigious NSW Coalition Government scholarship program will lend a helping hand to local first year apprentice, Mitchell Mulcahy to help during his study, boosting his budget and ensuring that he can complete his trade and add to the State’s skilled workforce.
Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships provide first-year apprentices with up to $15,000 over three years, as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to strengthening pathways to vocational education and training.
“The Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships program is about backing apprentices in Western Sydney like Mitchell. It gives a helping hand to complete training, gain a qualification and secure a brighter future,” Mrs Davies said.
“I am very pleased to see such a prestigious scholarship be awarded to a hard-working individual like Mitchell. The scholarship ensures that the door to opportunity stays open for those that want to build themselves a brighter future out here in Sydney’s west.
Mitchell was first introduced to mechanics as a 13-year-old when his father took him to the local car shop and he started by sweeping the floors. Now he has a dream to start his own small business one day and be able to provide a home for his young family.
The NSW Coalition Government launched the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships in 2014 to support apprentices who demonstrate a high aptitude for vocational education and training and are committed to their on-the-job and formal training.
The scholarship program is named in honour of the late Bert Evans AO, a passionate advocate of vocational education for more than 30 years.
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said this year’s program would provide assistance to 146 apprentices from all walks of life so that they can apply their skills and trade in the workforce.
“Apprenticeships are a critical part of ensuring NSW has a pipeline of skilled and job-ready workers, but we also understand the financial challenges that can arise for apprentices while completing a trade,” Mr Henskens said.
“Whether it is to purchase new tools, cover fuel and car maintenance costs or pay for additional training materials, these scholarships have helped people overcome personal barriers to finish their apprenticeships and go onto rewarding careers.”
Read more about the program at www.education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw/apprentices-and-trainees/support-with-your-apprenticeship-or-traineeship/bert-evans-apprentice-scholarships