Ms Davkovski, 21, was named TAFE Illawarra's Student of the Year and also received the Culinary Skills and Service Student Award in front of more than 180 guests at the 2015 annual awards at City Beach Function Centre, Wollongong.

Ms Davkovski and other TAFE Illawarra students and staff were recognised for their achievements in 2014.

Ms Davkovski completed her TAFE studies last year.

Ms Davkovski said she was proud, honoured and overwhelmed by receiving the two awards, and hoped this would open some doors for her.

"It's great to have this on my resume. I'm sure the opportunities to come from this will be endless.

"It's also a validation that I've chosen the right career path, knowing that I'm succeeding at what I love."

Her career started while studying her HSC at Kiama High School, when she chose to undertake a hospitality course via TVET - TAFE while at school with TAFE Illawarra Wollongong.

"As part of the course, I had the chance to work at Kiama High's new café, getting hands-on experience in cooking, service, health, hygiene and management."

After finishing school, Ms Davkovski took a year off to travel the world before making the decision to further her studies with an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality at TAFE Illawarra Wollongong.

"My course was great. One of the best projects I was able to work on was developing and managing the 2014 Spring Food and Wine Fair, which attracted over 220 guests and 15 stallholders.

"It's also given me a job in my chosen industry. After just two weeks in the work placement organised as part of my studies, I was offered a position at the Chifley Hotel Wollongong."

Ms Davkovski has secured casual employment with the Chifley Hotel as a food and beverage attendant, and now aims to work there full-time.