Corey Sinden has tackled hardship ‘head on’ to be awarded one of the State’s most prestigious scholarships. As a young indigenous man with a wife and 3 children under 4 years of age, the Guyra man is sitting proud as a recipient of a Ben Chifley Scholarship.

“Being awarded this scholarship is fantastic,” said Corey. “I am speechless.”

The Guyra apprentice appreciates the opportunity given to him by his employer Greg Burgess from Burgess Garage to pursue his ambition to be a light vehicle motor mechanic.

Corey had already completed a number of modules in Automotive Repair by doing school based training through TAFE NSW. As well as giving him a good insight and introduction to the trade the modules count towards his apprenticeship trade course.

“I love what I am doing and I’ve achieved so much as a result of my apprenticeship,” Corey said.

The Ben Chifley Scholarship – named after the former Australian Prime Minister Joseph Benedict Chifley – is a Department of Education and Training initiative designed to assist apprentices from country NSW who have demonstrated hardship to achieve their potential.The Scholarship is valued at $5,000 for each year while the apprentice is completing their apprenticeship up to a maximum of $15,000.

The objectives of the scholarship are to promote quality outcomes in the NSW vocational education and training system in country NSW.