Wagga local Sam Heffernan was announced as the winner of the Trainee of the Year at the NSW Training Awards last night.

The TAFE NSW student, who is employed as a sport and recreation administrator by the Catholic Education Diocese of Wagga Wagga, is one of three TAFE NSW winners that took home awards from the event.

NSW Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the strong showing by TAFE NSW students, including Mr Heffernan, was testament to their commitment to excellence in their chosen field.

“This is a wonderful result for Sam and for TAFE NSW, and I have no doubt that Sam will go on to be a great ambassador for the region, and the sport and recreation industry,” Mr Lee said.

“While we rightly celebrate achievements on the sporting field, it’s just as important to celebrate achievements in the classroom and the workplace.

An ecstatic Mr Heffernan said the award would help “supercharge” his career.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase the skills I’ve learned and how I’m putting my studies into a career in my chosen field,” Mr Heffernan said.

“I’m very excited for the future and I’m determined to keep working and learning to see what opportunities this opens up.

“A massive thank you to TAFE NSW, the Catholic Education Diocese of Wagga Wagga, and my mentor Anthony Hood.”

Mr Lee said he was delighted so many award winners were from TAFE NSW and that the strong results at this year’s awards were a clear demonstration of the high-quality education and training provided by Australia’s largest training provider.

“TAFE NSW is the leading skills provider in the state, delivering relevant, high-quality, practical and creative training to grow the NSW economy and skill the workforce of the future,” Mr Lee said.

“Sam is testament to the depth of talent and exciting career opportunities on offer through vocational education and training pathways.”

The NSW Training Awards celebrate the excellence of apprentices, trainees and students undertaking vocational education and training.

All NSW Training Award winners will proceed to the coveted Australian Training Awards which will be held in Brisbane this November.