The Year 12 student was recently announced as the Western NSW VET Schools Student of the Year in the 2016 NSW Training Awards, and now he will compete against the best in the state.

James, 18, is a student at Denison College Bathurst High campus and alongside his regular school subjects, is also undertaking three vocational education and training (VET) courses: Engineering Certificate I, Agriculture Certificate II and Construction Certificate II.

Such is James’ commitment to the subjects that Bathurst High VET co-ordinator Heidi Waldron nominated him for the awards.

“His commitment to the subjects is fantastic,” she said.

Ms Waldron said not only does James complete his regular school classes, but VET subjects also require an additional 70 hours of workplace training for each subject.

In all, James has completed 210 hours of workplace training for his three VET subjects, and one of those placements has already landed the dedicated teenager an apprenticeship once he completes his schooling.

James will attend the 2016 NSW Training Awards Presentation Event in Sydney on Thursday with his mother Gerbina Gordon and his VET co-ordinator Ms Waldron.

“I didn’t think I’d make it past the interview,” James said.

“I’m not too nervous, there’s no speeches, I think there’s only a few questions.

“Overall I’m excited that I got this far.”

James said the ability to compete VET subjects while still at school has been a huge benefit.

“It’s great, the VET courses are the best way to learn. It’s a TAFE course that you’re doing while at school,” he said.

Ms Waldron said the state award is the highest available for VET students.

“He’s the only western region finalist in the NSW Training Awards,” she said.

He may still be finishing off high school, but James has already received an apprenticeship offer from Bathurst company, Hines Constructions, thanks to his VET workplace training.

“I’ll be doing a carpentry apprenticeship with Hines Constructions, but I’ll start after I finish my HSC,” he said.

Hines Constructions managing director David Hines spoke to the Western Advocate in June to say that it was James’ dedication that led to the job offer.

“This is the first time I’ve ever promised an apprenticeship a year out,” Mr Hines said.