Emma Pritchard
Growing up, Grafton teenager Sophie Swanson admits she didn’t know what career she wanted to pursue, but the opportunity to undertake work experience with a local business and apply for a scholarship to assist her as she progresses in her chosen profession has allowed the 17-year-old to discover her passion.
Currently in her second year as an apprentice plumber with Gillespie Plumbing in Grafton, Sophie said she enjoys the varying tasks she completes each week which provide her with plenty of hands-on experience, adding she was pleased she made the decision to enter into a trade after leaving school.
“It’s usually pretty cruisy” she said of her role.
“There hasn’t been anything too difficult to fix, yet.”
A recipient of the Bert Evans Scholarship, a NSW Government initiative worth $5000 per year for up to three years which supports apprentices across the state who have demonstrated hardship in their personal circumstances, capability for vocational education and training that leads to successful completion of their trade training, and a positive attitude and application in workplace and formal training, Sophie works between 7am and 3pm, five days a week, and said she feels lucky to have a job she loves.
Describing Gillespie Plumbing as a great local business to work for, Sophie credits her colleagues who readily encouraged her to apply for the Bert Evans Scholarship online.
“I decided to just go for it,” she explained.
“I had to answer a few questions (via the website), and then I had to wait a bit, and then I found out that I’d been successful.
“Yeah, it was pretty exciting.”
As a recipient of the Bert Evans Scholarship, Sophie is being encouraged to utilise the funds provided to assist her in completing her apprenticeship.
When asked how far she would like to progress in her trade, Sophie revealed she wants to learn as much as possible and is eager to make the most of every opportunity which presents itself.
For more information about the Bert Evans Scholarship, please visit