He has been named the 2008 Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year at an awards ceremony in Darwin.

Mr Donovan won the NSW Training Award earlier in the year.

The 24-year-old has juggled life with three young children while completing his apprenticeship and TAFE study, and credits his family and ability to see the "big picture" for his success.

"It is all still a bit surreal and I don't think it has sunk in yet," he said."I've had strong mentors all my life, like my dad and my grandmother, and I think my ability to see the big picture has also helped me stay on track," he said.

He spent a week in Darwin - his first time outside NSW - completing personal development workshops.

He thanked his employer Wollongong Training and Employment and host employer AGi Engineering for their flexibility during his apprenticeship.

WTE manager Dean Mortimer said Mr Donovan's success was a testament to his hard work.

"He's a good apprentice and a good guy," he said.