TAFE NSW Orange students Lachlan Carpenter and Clinton Larkins receive top award

Lachlan Carpenter was presented with the School Based Apprentice/Trainee Student of the Year, while Clinton Larkins was named Apprentice of the Year and Innovative Manufacturing, Robotics and Science Student of the Year, during a ceremony at Lazy River Estate, Dubbo.

Mr Carpenter has successfully managed his studies and employment at Ascott Gardens Aged Care facility on Spring Street.

He said he's "really passionate about aged care" and "to win an award for something you love is great".

"I've worked really hard juggling school, TAFE and work, so it's very exciting to be noticed and to win such a big award," Mr Carpenter said.

Mr Larkins is employed by Luke Cross Engineering and Rigging, where he applied his skills to win a gold medal in the turning sections at the 2018 Worldskills national competition in Sydney last year.

Mr Larkins said he was "thrilled to be nominated and even more excited to win".

"It's been a big couple of years, but it goes to show what can happen if you get in there, work hard and have a go," he said.

TAFE NSW Regional General Manager, Kate Baxter, commended the winners for the commitment and dedication they have shown to their studies.

"Lachlan is an extremely mature, dedicated student who is passionate about quality aged care," she said.

"Clinton has always achieved excellent results throughout the three years of his time studying engineering at TAFE NSW."

Ms Baxter said the students success was proof TAFE NSW gave their students a head-start in pursuit of their careers.

She said the awards were further evidence TAFE NSW delivered on TAFE's commitment to train the workforce leaders of the future in a way which works for them.

Students from Orange, Gunnedah, Armidale, Parkes, Bathurst, Lithgow and Dubbo shared the 13 awards that were presented at the ceremony.