Luke Alexander-Young was one of four lucky recipients in the New England region who received the financial assistance through the NSW Country Apprentice Scholarship program.

Should Luke continue with his apprenticeship he will receive a further $10,000 over the next three years.

“I’m pretty stoked about it,” Luke said.

Mr Young has been doing an apprenticeship through Townes Contracting as a boiler maker.

“I did my work placement through school with them,” he said.

With the apprentice tool allowance scrapped from the Federal budget, Luke said the money would help him in paying for tools and travel costs to continue his study in Tamworth.

Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall congratulated Luke on receiving the NSW Country Apprentice Scholarship.

“The NSW Country Apprentice Scholarships assist apprentices in country NSW who have demonstrated hardship in their personal circumstances, yet have a drive and determination to successfully complete their apprenticeship and start their career," Mr Marshall said.

"This scholarship is a credit to Luke and I am proud the NSW Government is supporting him in obtaining his qualifications. 

“If people are given support and the opportunity to excel in their trade they will reap the benefits for themselves and their local community,” he said.

Greg Poetschka from NSW Education and Communities State Training Services said getting around the region and meeting young apprentices was “one of the best parts of my job”.

“Someone will visit Luke in a year and make sure he’s continued his training,” Mr Poetschka said.

“This assistance is only open to people in regional areas.”