One local is amongst the creme de la creme of vocational education and training (VET) learners and teachers who will be celebrated at the 2025 Riverina NSW Regional Training Awards.
Jacopo Bianchi from Kingsvale is amongst nominees that will be celebrated at the event.
The yearly awards recognises the most accomplished and passionate people who have made outstanding contributions to their workplaces and industries.
A mature aged learner, Jacopo began his apprenticeship and Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade at the age of 36 with the local nominated for his incredible work ethic, dedication to gibing back to the community and for being a mento to other apprentices at Apollo Fabrication in Young.
Now 40 and working as a fabricator while supporting his young family, Jacopo said returning to study at TAFE NSW for the first time in two decades was the best decision he ever made.
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Jacopo said he has always been interested in the artistic part of welding and working with steel to bring to life the vision of architects and engineers to build schools, airports, bridges and buildings.
He said one of his biggest achievements has been working on the new Australian Opal Centre in Lightning Ridge.
Moving to the area from Italy around a decade ago, Jacopo said he has witnessed the effect of not investing in the next generation of skills in the workforce and is proud to have trained in Australia.
Prior to his studies Jacopo was working on farms in Italy and Australia and is wanting to finish his Certificate IV, complete a diploma and considering university to further his engineering studies.
He is encouraging other mature aged learners to follow their passion and take a leap and try and learn something they are interested in.
Winners from the Riverina NSW Regional Training Awards will go on to represent the area in their respective categories at the 2025 NSW Training Awards in September.
Presented by the Department of Education's Training Services, the NSW Training Awards recognise outstanding achievement in the vocational education and training sector, with this year marking the 70th anniversary for the awards.
