He is one of six apprentices to be acknowledged for their outstanding work in their vocational training.

Mr Sheppeard admitted he was both shocked and excited to be announced as one the finalists in the Apprentice of the Year category.

“I felt overwhelmed when I found out I was a finalist,” he said. “I called my girlfriend and my family straight away to tell them the good news, I just couldn't contain my excitement.

“It means so much to be a finalist in these awards because it recognises the hard work that I have put into not only my apprenticeship, but also the time and work I have put into volunteering within the community.”

TAFE head teacher Russell Hodgkins said he was not surprised at Mr Sheppeard’s success. 

“Jake was an excellent student. He applied himself well, worked extremely hard and his standard of work was always the highest quality,” he said.

“He very much deserves to be considered among the best students in the state because he’s passionate about his industry, extremely talented and very well respected among his peers.”

The NSW State Training Awards finals will be held at the Sydney Town Hall on Thursday, September 7.