MORE FINANCIAL HELP FOR HARD-WORKING APPRENTICES

NSW Apprentices who need additional financial support can apply for scholarships of up to $15,000, Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee announced today.

The Bert Evans Apprenticeship Scholarships were introduced in 2014. They help apprentices in NSW who are experiencing hardship in their personal circumstances and have demonstrated a positive attitude and application in the workplace throughout their studies.

Mr Lee is urging conscientious apprentices to consider applying for the scholarship.

"As Minister, I am committed to supporting apprentices who work hard, persevere and contribute to the community," Mr Lee said.

"Undertaking an apprenticeship is hard work, so I am thrilled this Government can lend a helping hand through these scholarships."

The Bert Evans scholarships have already helped a number of apprentices in NSW continue their training.

Jake Hemming, a gifted carpentry apprentice from Forbes, faced challenges to complete his training, including having to travel more than 300km to attend training in Orange. Now in the third year of his apprenticeship, Jake is doing an extra course in concreting.

"That will help me in my career and I wouldn't have been able to do that if I didn't have the scholarship," said Mr Hemming.

The scholarship program is named in honour of the late Bert Evans AO, a passionate advocate of vocational education for more than 30 years. To date, 406 scholarships have been awarded.

To lodge an application, visit https://www.training.nsw.gov.au/apprenticeships_traineeships/students/bert_evans_scholarships.html