The TAFE NSW 2017 Mining Skills final presentation evening celebrated the achievements of 27 young apprentices.

But, there were some whose night included a little bit of extra recognition.

The Highest Achiever Award went to MIGAS plant mechanic apprentice Christopher Scriven.

He was recognised for his dedication at Bengalla Mine, his approach to study, and for attaining the highest overall grade throughout the program.

Two Outstanding Student Awards were presented to plant mechanic apprentices Jessica Bonnici and Jackson Hopkins for their application to their studies.

Jessica is an apprentice with Programmed and employed by Coal & Allied.

Jackson is employed as an apprentice at BHP Mt Arthur Coal.

The evening included the presentation of the annual MEMMES Scholarships awarded to BHP Mt Arthur Coal electrical apprentice Blake Pickham and plant mechanic Bradley Kirkwood.

Both tradesmen have ambitions to pursue further study with TAFE NSW to enhance their skills and knowledge and advance their careers in the Upper Hunter’s mining industry.

The scholarship was established by the Mining Electrical and Mining Mechanical Engineering Society and provides financial assistance to past Mining Skills Program graduates who are pursuing post-trade qualifications in order to advance their careers in the industry.

Qualified electrician Eila Mills was awarded a highly commended for her commitment to education and training.

The 23-year-old is in the third year of her apprenticeship and has already committed to undertaking post trade qualifications, having commenced her Certificate IV in Industrial Electronics and Control this year.