Acting purchasing officer and class preparation assistant Helen Mairinger received the Industry Collaboration Award.

Events certificate-Three student Emily Nye received the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Of The Year Award.

Apprentice chef Brent Strong received the Barrington Raymund Roberts Memorial Award and the Damien Martin Prize for the most outstanding student in Certificate-Three Commercial Cookery.

Human Services Tourism and Hospitality head teacher Sarah Phillis said it was genuine passion that summed up the approaches the recipients took to their studies, and in Ms Mairinger’s case, work.

“Helen is like the engine room for the section,” Ms Phillis said.

“She has been instrumental in establishing a hospitality Trade Show at Nowra campus in collaboration with local suppliers and networks.

Ms Mairinger said it was good to see staff who work behind the scenes being recognised alongside teachers and students.

“There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes but this award was not just about me, it's about the whole section and everything we do here,” she said.

For Emily Nye TAFE had been about more than just passing a course. She was regularly volunteering or working in campus and industry events to gain more experience.

“I was honoured to receive this award. It took a while to realise it’s across the whole of TAFE Illawarra, not just the Nowra campus,” she said.

One of the awards Brent Strong received means a scholarship at Restaurant Orana in South Australia.

“I’m really grateful for all I’ve been taught. These awards have given my confidence a real boost. And they’re a nice thing to have on a resume,” he said.

Culburra Beach resident Samantha D’Elboux received the TAFE NSW Gili Encouragement Award.