TYRONE Dawson has overcome huge hurdles to be named the NSW Brick and Block Laying Apprentice of the Year.

The 20-year-old went to Toormina High School before leaving to seek an apprenticeship through Nova- Skill.

Shortly after finishing Year 10, he started his brick and block laying apprenticeship with T & H Crockett Bricklaying and began studying at TAFE.

Placed right where he wanted to be, Tyrone was happily building his career in the trade when he was given news no one wants to hear.

In September 2009 he was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour – immature teratoma – and was forced to take seven months off work.

Months of tests, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy couldn't keep this keen apprentice away from the work he enjoys.

“While I was getting treatment for the cancer all I wanted to do was go back to work,” Tyrone said.

“I started going back to TAFE even while I was going through radiation treatment and just wanted to move forward.”

Just four weeks after finishing radiotherapy Tyrone went back to work and started building his strength back up, doing part-time at first.

Now in the final year of the apprenticeship, with nothing but good health on the horizon, the local tradie is back doing what he loves.

“I enjoy the artistic side of brick laying and it's rewarding to see the finished product,” he said.

“I like hard work and being outdoors and knew this was the career for me since I did work experience at high school.”

When the motivated worker finishes his apprenticeship next April he plans to keep working with the same company who supported him through his ordeal.

“I'm so grateful for their support and that they held my position open for me,” Tyrone said.

With 14 categories in the NSW Group Training Apprentice of the Year Award, Tyrone will travel to Sydney in the coming months in a bid to become Australia's Apprentice of the Year.