JESSICA Nagy's flair and love for fashion paid off when she was named national skilled trainee of the year.

The former Frankston Council marketing trainee received $1000, a glass trophy and certificate at an awards night in St Kilda.

During her 12 months at the council, Ms Nagy, 20, of St Andrews Beach near Rye, made a big impact, creating and organising the Search for Frankston's Hidden Model. The competition drew about 150 entrants and hundreds of spectators to heats at the Frankston Waterfront Festival in February.

Sixteen finalists wearing 'recycled fashion' from Frankston's eight opportunity shops paraded on the catwalk before a large crowd - including representatives of top modelling agencies - at the Boulevard Events Centre. Fourteen finalists won modelling contracts.

The council's marketing services manager Maxine Sando made a strong award submission for Ms Nagy.

"Jess was amazing. It was like having a fully fledged staff member rather than a trainee," she said.

"Her attention to detail and people skills in organising the competition almost entirely by herself were faultless.

"It is thanks to Jess's hard work that so many young locals now have a chance in the modelling industry."

Ms Nagy has been been interested in fashion and event management since she was a student at Rosebud Secondary College. After her VCE, she worked in hospitality until offered the council traineeship in June last year.

She worked on her model quest idea and approached her bosses.

"I asked if I could do my own event. At first they didn't seem too confident, but they looked at my plan, made a few changes and gave me the go-ahead. They said I would have no budget," Ms Nagy said.

The op shop operators loved the idea and loaned garments from their stores.

St Kilda clothing stylist Daniel Ryan donated his time and helped entrants with their outfits at the finals. The council chipped in and paid his taxi fares and even 'shouted' for his champagne.

After completing her traineeship in June, Ms Nagy joined the Admac fashion promotion agency in St Kilda, where she works three days a week. She also works three days a week at the Jac 'n' Jean store in Bayside shopping centre.

While doing her traineeship, Ms Nagy completed a diploma in event management. Her current mission is organising a Melbourne's Hidden Model quest at Federation Square in February.