A first year heavy commercial vehicle apprentice working at Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) has been awarded the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship.
The scholarship will see Grace Neale receive $5000 a year for three years, to assist with furthering her trade and studies.
CGRC workshop supervisor, Garry Scifleet, applied for the scholarship on Neale’s behalf citing her enthusiasm and dedication to following a career path in diesel mechanics from a very young age.
“Grace is the first female apprentice that has undertaken this apprenticeship with council. Her work ethic, mindset and ability to adapt has impressed me as her supervisor,” he said.
The scholarship program is offered by the NSW Government to support apprentices to undertake their trade and study. The scholarship program is named in honour of the late Bert Evans AO, a passionate advocate of vocational education for over 30 years. A total of 751 Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships have been awarded since 2014.
CGRC mayor Cr Charlie Sheahan issued congratulated Neale on her achievement. “We are very proud of all our young people who work for council, in particular those who undertake apprenticeships,” he said.
“Grace has fitted into her work environment well, has taken on the challenges of working within a typically male dominated role and has earnt the respect of her peers. Along with my fellow councillors I’d like to congratulate Grace on this achievement.”