There will be 100 scholarships worth $15,000 each to support apprentices who are experiencing financial or personal hardship and demonstrate a commitment to a career in vocational education and training.

The Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship program offers a great incentive for eligible locals to kick-start their career.

Apprenticeships are vital to ensuring NSW has a pipeline of skilled workers in growth areas, but we also understand it's not always easy to complete a qualification.

The scholarship program is all about giving aspiring apprentices an opportunity to start, change or further their career.

It's great that the NSW Government is committed to ensuring training for apprentices remains accessible to all.

As NSW has seen through the global pandemic, apprentices remain a crucial part of the state's economy and make a strong contribution to businesses and communities.

I would encourage everyone to explore the range of initiatives and programs available to support apprentices, including the Bert Evans Scholarship program and the NSW Government's fee-free apprenticeships initiative.

The scholarship program is named in honour of the late Bert Evans AO, a passionate advocate of vocational education for more than 30 years.

Visit www.training.nsw.gov.au/bert_evans_scholarships or phone 13 28 11 for more information and to apply before the May 28 closing date.

TENNIS across the region is set for a funding boost with the opening of round two of the NSW ATP Cup Tennis Legacy Fund.

The NSW Government, in partnership with Tennis NSW, is investing $2.4 million over three years to ensure community tennis benefits from NSW hosting the ATP Cup at Ken Rosewall Arena.

It's great to know that $360,000 is available to clubs, associations and councils across NSW.

Sport is part and parcel of the fantastic lifestyle we enjoy across the Bathurst electorate.

And with the world's best players returning to Sydney in 2022 for the ATP Cup, the Legacy Fund will enable more local girls and boys to emulate their heroes.

The fund supports projects that improve community facilities and encourage participation.

The ATP Cup is a winner for grassroots tennis in NSW and this is sure to leave a fantastic legacy for tennis in NSW.

More than $240,000 was awarded to 19 projects In round one, enabling the delivery of $1.52m in projects at clubs, associations and council facilities throughout the state.

Round two of the ATP Cup Legacy Fund is open until 5pm on April 26, 2021.

For further information, visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/nsw-atp-cup-tennis-legacy-fund