The NSW Nationals in Government are boosting the budget of the region’s apprentices and students with a new $250 travel card to help with the cost of getting to and from work, training, or university.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the initiative will take the pressure off the hip pocket of apprentices, trainees and university students across regional NSW who are on a shoestring budget with the rising cost of living. 

“We know that being an apprentice or a university student can be tough with limited income and rising costs,” Mr Anderson said.

“With the price of fuel so high, travelling long distances to get to and from work or training is particularly tough and we want to make it easier for our apprentices and students to get on the job and into the classroom.

“This $250 voucher will go directly towards meeting that cost and help our apprentices, trainees and students continue with their training.

“Vouchers just like these have a proven track record with the success of the Regional Seniors Travel Card and I know that card has made a real difference in the lives of local seniors.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said apprentices will be the first to access the card under the two-year trial which will open to applications from February next year with Uni students to follow in April.

“Whether you’re a 16-year-old mechanic apprentice or a 60-year-old university student studying teaching, if you live in the bush you may be eligible for the travel card,” Mr Farraway said.

“The prepaid debit card can be used for taxi trips, fuel, Opal card top ups, public transport and privately-operated coaches, and electric charging stations.

“Putting more money back into the pockets of apprentices and uni students is one way the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is securing a brighter future for NSW families.

“We know supporting regional apprentices and university students through this initiative will make a difference.”

To be considered eligible a participant must:

•           meet relevant citizenship or permanent residency requirements  

•           reside in a regional location outside Greater Sydney and the Newcastle and Wollongong City Council boundaries

•           be between the ages of 16 and pension age (currently 66 and 6 months)

•           be undertaking an active apprenticeship or traineeship registered with Training Services NSW or an undergraduate university course. Courses must be full-time and face-to-face

•           be enrolled in an eligible campus. (Select campuses are still being defined).

For more information please visit Service NSW.