With HSC trial exams underway and some Year 10 students set to leave school permanently at the end of the year, the NSW Government has 85 jobs to fill.

Across the state, the search is on for more than 85 apprentices and trainees to work on major projects, marking the commencement of a regional jobs and skills blitz. 

Transport for NSW’s Apprentice and Trainee Programs give successful applicants paid training on the job while gaining valuable skills, and a nationally recognised qualification at the completion of their program.  

Close to 90 per cent of the opportunities will be based in rural and regional NSW.

Whether it's project management in Lismore or metalwork in the Hunter, these roles give young people the chance to learn, work and thrive in their hometowns.

Programs on offer span eleven specialist areas, including civil construction, business, finance, fitter, project management, bridge construction and maintenance, heavy diesel mechanical, metal fabrication, painting and decorating, engineering mechanical and operational management systems.

Transport for NSW is engaging with local high schools across regional NSW and Greater Sydney through a range of career events and six industry days.

These days provided students in Years 10, 11 and 12 with hands-on experience in some of the trades Transport for NSW is currently seeking apprentices in.

Applications for Transport for NSW’s 2026 Apprentice and Trainee Programs are open now. Sydney-based roles close at midnight on 24 August, with roles across regional NSW closing at midnight on 31 August.

For more information about Transport’s 2026 Apprentice and Trainee Program, visit https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/about-us/careers/apprentice-and-trainee-programs.

Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said, “The Minns Labor Government is proud to be investing in the next generation of workers cross the state.

“These programs generate opportunities for the next generation of skilled workers wherever they live. Nearly 90 per cent of the upcoming roles are based in regional NSW. 

“I am particularly proud that this year we are aiming for a record high percentage of female and Indigenous representation which will help build a diverse and inclusive workforce. 

“The new apprentices and trainees will help boost the current workforce and make a real difference across NSW by contributing to the delivery of important infrastructure projects that will support regional communities.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, said, "Our state needs skilled workers to build the infrastructure and services our communities rely on, and programs like this are a powerful first step.

“These apprenticeships and traineeships provide real, hands-on experience while earning a nationally recognised qualification.

Sarah Zemek, First Year Metal Fabricator Apprentice, said, “I'd always been interested in metalwork, but I never thought it would be open to someone like me, because of my age and gender. Then I saw Transport for NSW talking about diversity and inclusion, so I applied and I won the role.

“One thing I love about Transport for NSW is that they choose the best people for the role. Gender, race, none of that holds you back here. Passion is what matters most. 

“I raised my children, and now that they're grown, I asked myself, 'Why shouldn't I go for it?' I want to show my kids that you really can do whatever you set your mind to. 

“What I love most about working for Transport for NSW is the diversity of the projects I work on and the flexibility in my role as a Metal Fabricator Apprentice. Some days I'm in the workshop, others I'm out on-site. 

“If someone is considering applying for a role at Transport for NSW, I say if it's truly something you want to do, don't give up. Keep chasing it!”