Applications open for $15,000 Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships

Cash-strapped apprentices are being urged to apply for $5000 per year to help cover the cost of tools, tech, fuel and other living expenses.

Cash-strapped apprentices across NSW struggling with the cost of living crisis are up for a share in $2.25 million, with applications opening on Thursday for the NSW government’s Bert Evans scholarship program.

For 150 successful applicants, $5000 a year for three years will be paid into their pocket to help cover the cost of tools, tech, fuel and other living expenses.

TAFE and Tertiary Education Minister Tim Crakanthorp said the extra cash would go some way to helping trainees stay the course and graduate as fully fledged tradespeople.

More than 60,000 people in NSW took up an apprenticeship or traineeship in the 12 months to September 2022, about 40 per cent of those in skilled trades.

However, the same period also saw 37,625 people drop out of their apprenticeships, a 25 per cent increase since 2021.

Ash Gammie, a 22-year-old sparky in her second year of her electrotechnology apprenticeship, was one of last year's beneficiaries of the scholarship. Picture: Tim Hunter.

“With demand for vocational education high, this year we have increased the number of Bert Evans scholarships on offer to help more apprentices through their training,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“Apprenticeships are vital in ensuring NSW has a pipeline of skilled workers, and we want to give our apprentices a helping hand to complete their training, so they can make a strong contribution in their jobs and in the lives of their families and communities.”

NSW Minister for TAFE and Skills Tim Crakanthorp (left) with Labor’s Kiama candidate Katelin McInerney and NSW Teachers Federation TAFE organiser Rob Long in Nowra. Picture: Dylan Arvela

Sparky in training Ash Gammie earns less than the minimum adult wage while she’s working and studying the second year of her electrotechnology apprenticeship.

The young tradie was one of last year’s beneficiaries of the Bert Evans scholarship, and the cash has helped her pay for everyday living expenses like fuel for the drives between worksites.

“Petrol prices at the moment are quite high, so that extra money just helps a little bit more,” Ms Gammie said.

“I was (also) able to purchase a new laptop that I use for TAFE when I’m studying at home, which has been amazing – without it I don’t think I would’ve been able to get as far as I have.”

The scholarship money helps pay for Ms Gammie’s petrol, but paying rent would be out of the question. Picture: Tim Hunter

The 22-year-old acknowledged even with the scholarship money, for some people undertaking a low-paid apprenticeship would be untenable.

“If I wasn’t living at home, I probably wouldn’t have done the apprenticeship. Currently (cost of living) is already a struggle, and I know that living out of home would be even worse.

“I feel for people that don’t want to start an apprenticeship because they can’t afford to go from earning so much, then dropping it down and starting from ground zero again.”

Eligibility for a Bert Evans scholarship, named in 2014 after the late NSW Apprenticeship Ambassador and passionate vocational education advocate, is contingent on having demonstrated financial or personal hardship, high aptitude for VET study and a positive attitude to their on-the-job training. The program has had 751 beneficiaries to date.

Would-be applicants can find more information on the training.nsw.gov.au website.