71 new apprentices and trainees join Transport for NSW road worksites across the state

newy.com.au – The Minns Labor Government says 71 new apprentices and trainees have started at Transport for NSW road maintenance worksites across the state this month, as it works towards its pledge to create an extra 1,000 apprentice and trainee roles across NSW Government agencies.

Announced on Friday 27 February 2026, the intake is focused on strengthening the state’s road network and building a pipeline of skilled workers, with almost 90% of roles based outside Sydney.

Transport for NSW said the recruits would support frontline Road Maintenance and Resilience teams doing work ranging from pothole repairs and bridge maintenance to rebuilding flood-damaged roads, planning major works and maintaining heavy vehicles.

The group completed inductions in Wollongong, Newcastle and Dubbo and will soon start on-site, joining 92 apprentices and trainees already progressing through the program from previous intakes.

The new starters are training across civil construction and bridge construction and maintenance, as well as heavy diesel mechanics and corporate streams including business, finance, project management and operational management systems.

Of the 71 roles, 26 are in northern NSW, 22 in southern NSW and 13 in western NSW, with 10 positions in Sydney and surrounding depots, including placements in Waratah, Tweed Heads, Ballina, Grafton, Dubbo, Broken Hill, Bega, Russell Vale and Wagga Wagga.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said, “We are getting more apprentices on the tools to repair and maintain NSW roads,” adding: “With almost 90 per cent of roles based in regional NSW, we are building a strong pipeline of skilled workers who will keep our transport network safe, reliable and resilient into the future.”

Acting Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education David Harris said the intake was part of the government’s commitment “to create an extra 1,000 apprenticeships and traineeships across NSW Government agencies”, with recruits “earning while they learn and gaining skills that set them up for great, long-term careers”.

The government said the broader push was backed by a record $3.4 billion in TAFE NSW and skills funding in the 2025-26 Budget, including $40.2 million over two years for fee free apprenticeships and traineeships, a $13.8 million Construction Workforce Package, $121 million to repair TAFE NSW campuses and $78 million to convert eligible teachers from casual to permanent roles.

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said, “It is fantastic to see new apprentices and trainees starting their careers here in our region, including at the Waratah Depot.”

Bridge construction and maintenance apprentice Maddi Ormsby said, “I’ve only been in the job a few weeks, and I’ve already had the opportunity to travel and work in Singleton, Muswellbrook, Dunmore and Dungog.”

Transport for NSW Road Maintenance and Resilience deputy secretary Matt Fuller said, “This program gives people real skills, real experience and a recognised qualification—while boosting the capability of our workforce across NSW,” with information on the Apprentice and Trainee Program available through Transport for NSW.