After competing against seven other candidates, Sophie was declared the winner at the NSW Training Awards on June 10 and now looks towards vying for the state award this month.

"It's really exciting. I'm nervous for the next step but to get this far is life-changing," Sophie said.

"It's just a whole different experience.

"My school, St Matthews, nominated me. It's great that they recognised my hard work."

Sophie has been working at Lawrence Bennett Portelli Pty Ltd since September 2019, and has since completed her certificate three in business administration.

Preparations are now underway for her HSC exams, and said she hopes to study accounting at Charles Sturt University, Bathurst next year.

"I really want to do accounting. I don't know why I'm drawn to it but I really like numbers," she said.

"I would love to go to CSU in Bathurst or perhaps online because then I can still work, I prefer the practical side."

Throughout her time with Lawrence Bennett Portelli Pty Ltd, Sophie has developed various skills and is thankful for those who have helped guide her throughout her time with the firm.

"I have loved my time here, I wouldn't change a thing," Sophie said.

"Everybody is so welcoming and helpful. They have trusted me to do things I wasn't expecting to do and thought would be something I could do in the future like tax returns, it's been really great.

"My job changes day by day. I can cover if one of the admin people is away, then I do tax returns. I've developed a lot of skills.

"I'm just really thankful for this opportunity, and I can't wait to see what the future holds."

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