Trent Ross has received the Microsoft Corporation Award for his studies in the Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and Technology at the University of Ballarat.

The Award for Excellence is sponsored by Microsoft, which donates an award to the university every year in the form of an item of equipment, tool of trade, voucher or cheque.

Mr Ross, who finished his studies in November, received an X-Box 360 in recognition of his achievement.

The trainee service desk technician said he was unaware of the award and it came as a big surprise. 

“I’m pretty chuffed,” he said.

“I didn’t know about it.

 “They said it was awarded to the student who displayed excellence.

“There was one person in each course so I suppose I am top of the class."

To achieve this Mr Ross has been balancing work and study for two years, including a 50-minute commute to and from his job in Bendigo.

He said it has been hard work.

“I have been doing a traineeship in Bendigo and working with Central Victorian Technology Services and then studying,” he said.

“I didn’t have much time, but I got the best on the job experience and theory for the course. I learnt a lot in the last two years.

“I handed in my last module in November.

“Central Victorian Technology Services is really fun and it is a good bunch of people.

“I am a level-one service technician, so I answer the phones and try and solve their problems and if I cannot, I escalate the call.

“I am hoping to go to the next level, to level two as support.

“I'll see how far I can go."

Mr Ross was presented with his award at the TAFE Division Awards for Excellence Celebration on March 21.

The presentation recognises excellence in study across the TAFE Division of the University of Ballarat.