Picton local Samuel Jenks has been announced as the winner of the Southern and South West Sydney Training Awards VET in School Student of The Year at the prestigious Training Services NSW virtual event yesterday. 

The TAFE NSW student, who is completing his HSC at Picton High School, was one of five TAFE NSW winners of the awards announced via Facebook Live. 

TAFE NSW Regional General Manager, Michael Cullen, said the strong showing by TAFE NSW finalists for the six award categories was testament to their commitment to excellence in their chosen field.  

“The exceptional result in these prestigious awards is a reflection of the quality, hands-on training TAFE NSW provides students to help them reach their career ambitions and ensure we have a skilled and capable workforce of the future,” Mr Cullen said. 

“I have no doubt Samuel will go on to be a great ambassador for TAFE NSW and the IT industry.” 

Samuel said he has enjoyed his TAFE NSW course and that it was a great honour to receive the award.   

“It is a great honour to win the award. I was thrilled to even be nominated so to win the award is an awesome achievement. 

“I have really enjoyed the hands-on experience of my Certificate III in information Digital Media and Technology and the practical knowledge that my teachers have provided. 

“It is empowering knowing I am one step closer to my dream career working in cyber security and I'm still in high school,” Samuel said. 

Minister for Tertiary Education, Geoff Lee, said that he was delighted that so many of the 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 plays a critical role in shaping the careers of people across a range of important industries that are critical to the economy. 

“Samuel is a 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. 

The winners from the Southern and South Western Sydney Training Awards will be interviewed and considered for the NSW Training Awards which will are planned to be held in Sydney later this year. 

Media contact: Kellie Dillon, TAFE NSW Media Officer, 0408 006 866, kellie.dillon7@tafensw.edu.au