JOHN GRAHAM AND STEVE WHAN - MEDIA RELEASE - CAREERS RIGHT ON TRACK: RECORD INTAKE AT SYDNEY TRAINS IS PART OF NSW APPRENTICESHIP BOOM

The revival of the NSW rail industry under the Minns Labor Government has taken another leap forward, with the biggest ever intake of apprentices by Sydney Trains.

Ninety-six new apprentices from all over the state were inducted at Clyde last week, bringing the number of trains apprentices to an all-time high of 270.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to rebuild the skilled public service workforce with its 1000 NSW Public Sector Apprentices and Trainees Program.

Under the program, there has been a 45% increase in new apprentices starting at Sydney Trains.

Apprentices at Sydney Trains specialise in trades, including mechanical engineering, electrical, telecommunications and signals.

They are building long-term careers as we rebuild train manufacturing in NSW after a disastrous era in which the former Liberal government squandered $2.5 billion buying trains off the shelf overseas, according to the NSW Auditor-General in a report last year.

The Minns Labor Government is also focused on building a well-trained workforce to improve reliability and resilience of the vast heavy rail network.

Sydney Trains apprentices benefit from safe work environments, specialist training, and competitive salaries – setting them up for life.

Female participation in the apprenticeship program has increased by 50% in 2026, growing from 20 to 30 apprentices, and Indigenous apprentice numbers are up 50%, from 14 to 21, thanks to targeted recruitment by the Aboriginal Employment Unit.

More than 92% of Sydney Trains apprentices have successfully completed their trade training over the past five years.

At the 2026 induction at Clyde, Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan announced further support for apprentices across NSW with a 50% increase in the number of Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships aimed at helping apprentices overcome hardships and complete their training.

The investment from the NSW and Federal Labor governments is being made under the National Skills Agreement and is delivering the largest cohort of Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships recipients to date.

The extra funding has allowed a record 225 scholarships to be awarded in 2025, with the same number planned for 2026, compared with a previous high of 150 scholarships awarded in 2024.

Sydney Trains’ mature-age apprentices Christopher Colenbrander and Ahmed Al-Mashhadani were hired last year under the 1000 NSW Public Sector Apprentices and Trainees Program.

Last week, they were awarded Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships and will receive $5,000 per year for three years while undertaking their apprenticeship.

In its final round, the 1000 NSW Public Sector Apprentices and Trainees Program is now recruiting more than 400 additional roles across 73 agencies, taking the total jobs that will be offered under the program above the original 1,000 target.

Minister for Transport, John Graham said:  

“One of the biggest ever intakes of rail apprentices at Sydney Trains is an exciting moment that shows once again the commitment of the Minns Labor Government to rebuilding our rail workforce after the neglect and overseas shopping trips of the Liberals.

“These are long-term, skilled careers being built right here in NSW that will ensure our large train network becomes more reliable for the more than a million passengers who rely on it every day.

“These apprentices will be gaining their skills as we progress our agenda to bring train manufacturing back to NSW. The NSW Government will ensure new trains have at least 50% local content and will commence procuring replacements for the ageing suburban passenger fleet from 2027.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:  

“I am pleased that through the National Skills Agreement with the Federal Government we are able to support to more apprentices to stay in training, and deliver on the Government’s commitment under the NSW Skills Plan to increase apprentice completion rates.

“Our 2026 Bert Evans Scholarship recipients represent the future of our skilled workforce. Along with our 1000 Apprentices and Trainees Program participants, they’re building careers that will keep NSW strong by ensuring we have a pipeline of skilled workers to continue delivery of essential public services.” 

Sydney Trains Chief Executive, Matt Longland said:

“Congratulations to our new apprentices and welcome to the ‘railway family’. With record new investment in systems, infrastructure and fleet, it’s a really exciting time to be working at Sydney Trains as we build the future railway.”

MEDIA:

Tom Tilley | Minister Graham | 0422 247 201

Fee Chemke-Dreyfus | Minister Whan | 0447 404 353

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships is open to all registered apprentices in NSW, including school-based apprentices. The program supports apprentices experiencing hardship to start, continue and complete their training while also helping deliver NSW Skills Plan priorities by boosting completions.

The 1000 NSW Public Sector Apprentices and Trainees Program is now recruiting more than 400 additional roles across 73 agencies, taking the total jobs that will be offered under the program above the original 1,000 target. The positions will be advertised on the 1000 A&T webpage, I Work for NSW and job search engines.

To date, the program’s outstanding success has seen an almost-even split between regional and metropolitan locations, with more than 660 apprentices and trainees beginning roles since the program’s start.

BERT EVANS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Ahmed: He has been in Australia for the past three years after coming here through his previous service in the Iraqi Army. A friend encouraged him to pursue an apprenticeship as a strong pathway to build a stable, long-term career. He’s enjoying the work and has spoken very positively about the workplace culture and environment.

Christopher: He has previously worked with Sydney Trains as a trade assistant and wanted to take the next step to build a long-term career. He enjoys the work, takes pride in what he does, and is motivated by the impact it has—helping deliver safe and reliable travel for Sydney commuters. This apprenticeship will give him the skills and qualifications he needs to progress, and he’s also driven by being a positive role model for his children, encouraging them to keep striving to do their best.

Both apprentices are using the financial assistance to support their families while they complete their training.