With just 14 months of his apprenticeship to go he has recently been selected for the Bert Evans scholarship which will help cover the costs of travelling to TAFE in Orange for three days a month as well as equipment for work.

Currently the 19 year-old apprentice works with his grandfather Kevin Hinton of Kevin Hinton and Son and one day he will run the family business.

"I was very impressed when he started and even now," Mr Hinton said.

"To do well in this job, you've got to love it."

"I've been painting 50 years and I knew he had the gift," he said, adding that he hoped this would encourage more young people to see what opportunities were out there.

Lincoln first became interested in painting through work experience with his grandfather and from then on he was hooked.

He has been learning a broad range of skills from external work on heritage houses to modern styles including applying rough surfaces like Acratex.

He said what he enjoyed most was the satisfaction that came from looking back at a job well done.

Resident Pip Smith, who recommended Lincon for the scholarship was ecstatic with the news.

"Lincon is very serious about his apprenticeship and it is a real credit to him."

"He gives 100 per cent of his energy, time and effort to his job and he is extremely good at it. I

am very happy for him and and happy that this will help with his

career path."