Steve Whan
Member for Monaro
Media Release
Local recipient of Bert Evans Scholarship meets Member for Monaro
Tuesday, 19 December 2023
Apprentice hairdresser, Queanbeyan’s Tahlia Pantos, has received a huge boost to her career receiving a $15,000 Bert Evans Scholarship.
Member for Monaro, and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan met 17 year old Tahlia in Queanbeyan on Tuesday.
Steve Whan said “Tahlia has received this scholarship in recognition of her commitment to vocational education in the face of adversity.
“This award not only celebrates recipients’ accomplishments, but also underscores the importance of supporting individuals who overcome challenges to contribute meaningfully to society.”
“It was wonderful to meet Tahlia and hear, firsthand, about her incredibly positive outlook on life, and her determination to complete her Certificate III qualification.
“Despite some challenges, it is clear she won’t give up on completing her hairdressing apprenticeship. Tahlia is a perfect recipient of the Bert Evans Scholarship. She has shown a strong aptitude for vocational education and training under difficult circumstances.
“I’m so pleased to hear that the $15,000 which will be provided over three years will help her purchase hairdressing tools, a laptop, and contribute towards ongoing medical expenses.
“In total, we have been able to award the scholarship to 150 recipients from across NSW. This financial commitment by the Minns Labor Government, totalling $2.25 million over three years, is an investment in the future success of apprentices and the growth of our skilled workforce.
“Meeting our skill needs is important, but even more important is helping people who might otherwise face barriers to get a career that will give them a happy healthy life.
The 2023 cohort of winners includes 43 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprentices, 72 learners with disabilities, 47 women excelling in non-traditional trades, and 64 mature-aged apprentices, with 114 of the recipients coming from regional NSW.
The scholarship is named after former NSW Board of Vocational Education and Training chair, Bert Evans, who developed a strong appreciation for apprenticeship training after beginning his career in the manufacturing industry.
“This initiative is a fitting legacy to Bert Evans, who dedicated his life to promoting vocational education as a foundation for success.”
