Cobar’s Daniel Stephens says he is pinching himself after being awarded Western NSW Apprentice of the Year at the age of 42.

Before taking up a job with Essential Energy he accumulated experience working in the community, in mines and contract mustering for a decade.

As dad with three kids aged 14,12 and 2, Daniel has made his life about family and not about him.

"I worked at the CSA mine for more than ten years as a drill rig driver and I did some contract mustering.

"I enjoyed that but then took up an apprenticeship with Essential Energy."

His experience being involved in community has also taught him plenty, from playing rugby league for the Warren Bulldogs to being awarded as a trainer at Sheep Dog Trials in NSW.

‘’Life experience in different trades has helped me to be better,’’ he said.

‘’Essential Energy nominated me and I thought I was an imposter with 18 year olds in the finals.

"I am a very simple man but driven to be the best I can be."

Judges said ‘’Taking out the Apprentice of the Year category, Daniel is being celebrated for his unwavering commitment to training, exceptionally high standard of work and mentorship, all the while balancing family life.

"As a mature-age apprentice at Essential Energy, Daniel applies his years of industry experience to his role in the powerline industry, allowing him to take on significant responsibilities across a vast desert footprint.’’

Daniel beat a field of nominees from Lithgow to Bourke for the 70th Vocational Education Training (VET) Awards and was selected from three finalists in an event ceremony in Orange.

The awards are held across nine regions of the state.

“The finalists and winners from this year’s Western NSW Regional Training Awards represent the premier VET talent in the region," said the NSW Minister for TAFE, Steve Whan.

"Having a thriving and robust VET sector generates ripples in the local community with investment into spaces like healthcare, infrastructure, education and the economy.

“The Training Awards support the NSW Government’s efforts to address skills shortages by spotlighting excellence in VET.

“Congratulations to Daniel on your outstanding work and taking out the top gong.

"Your championship of VET is paving the way for others to be inspired and take on fulfilling pathways.”

Other Western Plains students also were finalists in three other categories.

• Callum Hutchinson from Narromine High School and Gilgandra's Samantha Naden – School based Apprentice of the Year.

• Jessica Turnbull - Early Childhood and Education - Gilgandra Pre-School - Trainee of the Year

• Ashlee Jenkin – Early Childhood and Care – Gilgandra Pre- School.