TAFE NSW Mudgee student, Chenoa Endacott has been awarded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year at the prestigious Western Regional Training Awards Presentation Event at Orange Ex-Services Club on Friday evening.

TAFE NSW students claimed five of the six awards on offer at the Training Services NSW event, including Vocational Student of the Year, Trainee of the Year, Apprentice of the Year and School Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year.

Ms Endacott who completed a Certificate III in Hospitality and a Skillset Workforce Skills4Trade Statement of Attainment in Work Preparation Skills for Mining at TAFE NSW, said “I was overwhelmed to receive this award amongst a very talented group of people.

“I’m also proud of all that I have achieved over the past 12 months and the skills and experience I have developed will enable me to work in a number of industries.

“I’m really enjoying studying a Certificate IV in Hospitality at TAFE NSW Mudgee and I’m excited about the career opportunities that this will lead to once completed.”

TAFE NSW Acting Regional General Manager, Adam Bennett congratulated Chenoa on her achievements.

“Chenoa has not only made her family proud but is a positive role model for women working in male dominated industries.

“Employers look for practical and hands-on experience and that is something Chenoa now possesses by studying at TAFE NSW. This is a great result for Chenoa and I have no doubt she will go on to be a great ambassador for the region and her industry.

“For TAFE NSW students to win five of a possible six awards on the night demonstrates the high-quality skills students learn, and exciting employment opportunities that become available when you choose to study at Australia’s largest training organisation.”

The annual Training Services NSW event recognises and rewards the outstanding achievements of vocational students and demonstrates the extent of quality in the vocational education and training sector.

The winners of the Western Training Awards will be considered for the NSW Training Awards, which will be held in Sydney this September.

The full list of awards won by TAFE NSW students included:

Jennifer Boney - Vocational Student of the Year - Orange

Laycee Covington-Gorst - Trainee of the Year - Bathurst

Clinton Larkings - Apprentice of the Year - Dubbo

William Searl - School Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year - Forbes

For more information on TAFE NSW courses available for study through face-to-face, TAFE Western Connect or online, visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Emma Curtis, TAFE NSW Media Officer, (02) 6338 2509, mobile 0427 901 515