The former De La Salle College Cronulla student, 18, received the award through the Laing + Simmons scholarship program that allows school-leavers to get involved in the day-to-day operations of a real estate office.

Mr Lombardi already had some experience before he graduated last year, having spent some time at the Helensburgh and Miranda offices of Laing + Simmons Real Estate.

The aspiring real estate agent was one of three students across the state to receive a scholarship that allows applicants to do the course that offers specialty areas of real estate, business broking, stock and station, and strata management.

"I have always had a passion for sales, as it runs in my family, and when I found out about the scholarship program I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to apply my people and communications skills in an area I've always been interested in," Mr Lombardi said.

"I've now witnessed how passionate and hard working the sales team is. I've experienced market appraisals of both houses and vacant land and seen first hand how the property management side of the industry works.

"I'm confident I've chosen a career path that will bring me long-term satisfaction."

Laing+Simmons general manager Leanne Pilkington said the scholarship program was designed to improve levels of professionalism in the industry and provide a launch pad for talented young people to tart their careers.

"It is important for young people in this industry to learn the right techniques, skills and standards of practice to lay a solid platform for their future careers, "Ms Pilkington said.

"The program has unearthed some very talented agents over the years which is the best endorsement of its success."