The awards are conducted annually by Training Services NSW and the Department of Education and aim to recognise outstanding achievements in the vocational education and training sector.

Year 12 student Bejay Dennis was awarded the 2021 VET in Schools Student of the Year, while Year 12 student Tamazyn Ledden was named the 2021 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year for the North Coast and Mid North Coast.

Newman Senior Technical College leader of VET curriculum Karen Warneken said both students were nominated for the awards by teachers based on their attitude and application to their studies and their involvement in the community.

"Tamazyn and Bejay then progressed to regional selections where they were named winners in their respective categories at the 2021 NSW Training Awards North Coast and Mid North Coast Region in Coffs Harbour on June 11," she said.

"It's an outstanding achievement by two very motivated young students."

Bejay is in his final year of schooling at the college and is completing a Certificate II in automotive vocational preparation.

He is also an elected member of the Student Representative Council and is the vice-captain of the college.

Bejay said it's a great feeling to be acknowledged for working well in his field of training.

"I'm a more hands-on learner and to be recognised for my effort and abilities in this way is encouraging. I am very grateful to receive the award," he said.

Tamazyn is a school-based trainee undertaking a Certificate II in hospitality and is employed by The Brew Box in Port Macquarie and said she was honoured to be nominated for the award.

"When I was younger, I could never have imagined that I could achieve this, but now I am a business owner, entrepreneur, VET student and a proud indigenous woman and am honoured to have been given this opportunity and recognition," she said.

Ms Warneken said the school is extremely proud of both students having progressed to this level of the Training Awards.

"It is well-deserved recognition of the dedication and skills these students are developing within the VET in School engaging learning environment at Newman College," she said.

"Being announced winners at this level is a fantastic achievement for Tamazyn and Bejay, something they will remember for a long time."

Both students will now have the opportunity to represent the North Coast and Mid North coast region at the State Awards and if successful progress to represent NSW at the National Training Awards.

"We are excited to hear if they progress further after their interviews for the State Awards," Ms Warneken said.

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