The awards celebrate the excellence of apprentices, trainees and students undertaking vocational education and training, with winners proceeding to the national event in November.

Mr Larkings said it had been a "whirlwind" couple of months.

"To win a silver medal at WorldSkills in August representing TAFE NSW was incredible, and to now be a finalist for this award against some of the most talented apprentices across the state is really exciting," he said.

"It's very nice to be continually acknowledged for the hard work I've put into my apprenticeship over the past couple of years, and even better to be recognised for doing something that I love."

The Luke Cross Engineering and Rigging employee was one of 15 TAFE NSW finalists who were nominated for an award at the event.

NSW Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, Geoff Lee, said it was a wonderful result for Mr Larkings and for TAFE NSW.

"I have no doubt that Clinton will continue to be a great ambassador for the region, and the fitting and turning industry," Mr Lee said.