They attended Hunter Trade College and have been awarded the prestigious Australian Vocational Student Prize.

The award recognised the students’ outstanding vocational skills demonstrated while completing the HSC at Hunter Trade College, Telarah last year.

Abigail is an electrotechnology apprentice. Blake is working two part-time jobs and has been recruited as an apprentice technician with the airforce.

Abigail said she was able to complete her goals of earning her HSC and first year apprenticeship at the same time through the college.

“I feel like I applied myself when I was studying and tried really hard in my apprenticeship test and my HSC exam,” she said.

Her efforts earned her a position as a second year apprentice at Telarah’s Platinum Electricians, which she said she was extremely thankful to have.

“I really like working hands-on, but I like the mental aspect too,” she said.

“It’s the best of both worlds.”

Abigail said she planned to work for Platinum for a few years after she becomes a fully fledged electrician as gratitude for the opportunities she had been given.

“After that I’m thinking I might keep learning; maybe electrical engineering at uni,” she said.

Both students were awarded $1000.

More than 8000 students nominated for the vocational award.

Hunter Trade College CEO Ann Holcombe congratulated Abigail and Blake, who are proud and excited about their awards.

“To have two winners from the one school is an outstanding result,” Ms Holcombe said.