So he tried a succession of jobs including working in a supermarket before he harked back to an idea he had in high school that he wanted to be a draftsman.

When he secured an apprenticeship at Central Design and Engineering through Central West Group Apprentices three years ago, Mr Gates could not have envisaged that by 2009 he would be involved in drawing up the biggest steel structural design in the city’s history - the new Orange Base Hospital at Bloomfield - as well as a major Cadia mine project.

Added to that he would be overseeing the work of three other draftsman in his office.

Yesterday Mr Gates was recognised for his exceptional talent and commitment to his profession with the annual Country Women’s Association group scholarship of $500.

His employer, Central Design and Engineering director and drafting manager Phillip Bird said Mr Gates was now the main employee working on structural steel drawings for both projects and is able to converse with engineers and project planners who have many more years’ industry experience under their belts..

“He came to us a little later but has showed enormous maturity and he is certainly a great asset to our company,” he said.

CWA group president Gail Hayden said the organisation continued to be impressed by the talent and dedication of young people who have started a career through Central Western Group Apprentices.