New South Wales TAFE student Lucinda Shilcock has shown learning challenges are no barrier to education achievement after being awarded several accolades across two coveted awards ceremonies.

Coinciding with National Reconciliation Week, the Newcastle graduate from East Maitland was awarded the NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, Trainee of the Year and Infrastructure, Energy and Construction Student of the Year at the recently held 2023 TAFE NSW Gili Awards.

She was also a standout in this year's TAFE NSW Student Excellence Awards, which celebrate the successes of the most outstanding TAFE students, after being awarded Student of the Year, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year and Apprentice of the Year

Making her achievement even more impressive, Ms Shilcock has a dyslexia diagnosis, making literacy-based learning challenging.

However after initially approaching education with fear, she fell in love with learning at TAFE.

"Electrotechnology is heavily math based and given I am dyslexic and struggled at school, there were people who told me I couldn't do it," she said.

"But I was determined and worked incredibly hard.

"TAFE's training was very industry specific and taught me the essential skills, that I actively use in my job each day.

"It was such a positive learning experience that I was able to gain my confidence and work in some really incredible jobs."

Ms Shilcock paid tribute to her TAFE teacher, Derek Bailey, who 'changed her life' by catering for her learning needs in a way that helped her achieve.

"My teacher Mr Bailey truly changed my life," she said.

"If I didn't understand the concepts he would keep trying different angles to explain it to me.

"He never made me feel insecure spent countless hours helping me.

"He is truly a great person, amazing educator and friend."

Mr Bailey said Ms Shilcock consistently displayed determination, drive, and dedication to achieve her goals whilst completing her studies.

"Lucinda embraced learning with passion and has been generous with her time, helping fellow students when they struggle on difficult concepts," he said.

"She is a shining light for women in non-traditional trades, for people with learning disabilities, for young indigenous women, and for anyone struggling to find the inspiration they need to make the most of themselves and their lives."

Miss Shilcock studied a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician and has gained experience working in high-rise, residential and commercial construction – as well as home automation, automatic doors, lifts – and building switchboards in mines.

She is now qualified and working for Kone Cranes Australia.