A LONGERENONG College student is in the running for a national award after being named the state’s trainee of the year. 

Horsham’s Dustin Cross took out the title in the annual Victorian Training Awards on Wednesday.

Mr Cross has been studying at the college for about three years.

“I did a school-based apprenticeship while I was in year 12 so I did my Certificate IV in Agriculture,” he said.

“I finished my certificate this year and I’m going on to an Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness Management.

“I’ve learnt a lot at the college and having the support of teaches to kick you into gear is great. What they teach us at the college always coincides to what we are doing on the farm – it works perfectly.”

Mr Cross applied for the award earlier this year.

“I had to fill out a form to apply and from there I was chosen to go to Melbourne for an interview,” he said.

“When I found out I had made it through to be a finalist I couldn’t believe it – I didn’t think I would make it that far.”

Mr Cross attended an award ceremony in Melbourne on Wednesday.

“Going into Crown Palladium in my suit, I was blown away by how big of a deal the awards were,” he said.

“When they announced I had won, my heart jumped out of my chest.”

Fellow Longerenong College student Cara Hadzig was also nominated for trainee of the year.

Mr Cross received $5000 and will now compete at the 2017 Australian Training Awards in Canberra.next month.

Ararat company A.F. Gason won the employer award for apprentice development at the awards.