Kurnell carpenter Jade Stewart has been nominated for a top Indigenous student training award. Picture supplied

From Kurnell to the cutting edge of the construction industry, Jade Stewart is leading the charge for the region's vocational students.

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The qualified carpenter and Gamilaroi woman is vying for top honours as a nominee for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year at the upcoming 2026 Southern and South Western Regional Training Awards.

Stewart completed her apprenticeship at Dotbuild Constructions, an Aboriginal owned and operated building company, where she now works full-time and mentors the next generation of apprentices. She openly embraces her identity as a "chippy chick in trade," a journey that began when she realised traditional schooling wasn't the right fit for her.

"Academically, I sat somewhere in the middle, but in woodwork I thrived," she said. "I placed first in my class, and my teacher told me I would become the best 'chippy chick' if I find confidence within myself."

That advice propelled her into a hands-on career that she says completely transformed her perspective. "Entering the construction game gave me a sense of purpose and a direction that I have never experienced and it's changed my whole aspect on life in cool ways," she said.

Her day-to-day role keeps her on the move, driving between job sites and utilising a wide range of tools. However, for Stewart, the job is about much more than just manual labour. "Being able to help people in day-to-day lives while also building strong relationships has been a big aspect of my career," she said. "I live and breathe carpentry, have a positive attitude and a willingness to learn everyday."

TAFE NSW Gymea carpentry teacher Joe Jaconelli said Ms Stewart had demonstrated the technical ability and professionalism needed to thrive in the construction industry.

Ms Stewart is part of a broader contingent of the region's best and brightest in vocational education and training (VET) set to take centre stage on May 21. The annual event will celebrate the outstanding contributions of VET learners, teachers, trainers, and organisations who have made a significant impact on their respective workplaces and industries.

Presented by the Department of Education's Training Services, the NSW Training Awards represent the pinnacle of exceptional achievement within the state's vocational sector. The stakes are high for Ms Stewart and her fellow regional nominees on Thursday night; winners from the ceremony will earn the privilege of representing the Southern and South Western community at the state-level 2026 NSW Training Awards this coming August.