Ryan Edwards, 30, received the adult encouragement award, which will help him to continue to study a certificate III in cabinet making at TAFE NSW.

Mr Edwards suffers from anxiety and had been out of the workforce for about 10 years.

Encouraged by his case worker at Castle Personnel, he enrolled at Maitland TAFE this year to study a certificate I in construction.

He has since gone onto find part-time work at Hunter Valley Joinery in East Maitland, while continuing his studies.

Mr Edwards said his dream is to complete an apprenticeship in cabinet making and open his own furniture shop.

“I’m glad I’ve found something that I’m halfway decent at and enjoy – I’m a bit lucky,” he said.

He said studying and working have helped him deal with his anxiety, and have inspired him to try new things.

“It has made me feel a bit more human and worthwhile – working, getting out of the house, and contributing,” he said.

Mr Edwards was one of 22 students who were recognised for their dedication to their studies at the 2017 Hunter TAFE Foundation Encouragement Awards at Hunter Valley Hotel Academy, Kurri Kurri on November 22.

The awards provide financial support to hard-working students in the Hunter and Central Coast regions to assist them to continue their educational development.

A total of $12,000 in scholarships were awarded to students in categories including adult, youth and indigenous, to name a few.

Hunter TAFE Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation working with Hunter business, education and community leaders, and committed to supporting education and training by providing financial support to students who are experiencing either personal or financial hardship.

Foundation director John Fitzgerald said the support is made possible through donations made by generous individuals and organisations in the community.

“I would like to sincerely thank all the donors who support the Hunter TAFE Foundation and encourage you to continue to be ambassadors for both vocational education in the Hunter and the Hunter TAFE Foundation,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

Mr Edwards said receiving the encouragement award was a huge boost, and that accepting an award in front of a room full of people was another breakthrough.

He thanked his mother Lynette Sinclair, his TAFE teacher Mathew Ryan, the team at Castle Personnel and Hunter Valley Joinery owner Paul Thompson for their support.