The recent Print Training Graduation Ceremonies held in Christchurch and Auckland the announcement of the Specialty Awards.
Among them, Orora Specialty Packaging’s Epati Aiono received the Print Diploma Student of the Year Award and describes it as a great honour and a huge surprise. He says, “I was very lucky to have the support of Orora Cartons Wellington, Malcolm Pearce from Competenz and especially my family.
“I have seen the industry go from the letterpress to digital and it is still evolving. The recognition of excellence with the industry awards is something we didn’t have back in the day so it’s great to see such a high profile for the industry.
“Starting from the floor I know the challenges people face when choosing a pathway through the industry. There is a lot of hidden potential in staff so I enjoy using all my experience to mentor potential supervisors, team leaders and line managers.”
Wade Jones of Labelmakers received the Jenkins Award for Top Label Printing Apprentice. He says, “I feel honoured to be recognised from such leaders in the print industry. Jenkins Labels is renowned in New Zealand for its print training history and I am thrilled to receive this award.
“I will endeavour to continue my growth and development in the industry and lead by example for other future trainees within the business.”
PMP Print’s Elisha Pahia received the wrh global award as the top Binding and Finishing Apprentice. PMP Print print finishing manager Gavin Wentzel says the gong rewards Pahia’s good time management and the fact he makes himself available for any training on offer.
Wentzel says, “Elisha has a great attitude and takes ownership of any task he is asked to do. He is always enquiring about new developments in the industry. The wrh global award will give Elisha an insight into the direction that the industry will take into the future.”
Having commenced his career in the industry back in 2004, Pahia says he actively sought out the apprenticeship and has welcomed the opportunities it has provided. He says, “I have enjoyed the workshops, meeting new people in different areas of the trade and completing assessments.
“What inspires me is new technology. I enjoy working on different machines, learning something new every day and training new staff — showing them what to look for, being on the end of the machine — as well as how to stack a pallet and load.”
Attended by over 200 graduates, employers, colleagues and family, the ceremonies also saw medals presented to everyone that earned a formal industry qualification during 2016, explains
PrintNZ general manager Ruth Cobb, says, “These events are a fantastic opportunity to recognise everyone that has made a commitment to learning and completed their training during 2016, but the highlight of the night is being able to reveal and reward the finalists (and in some case, winners) of the Specialty Awards — the cream of the crop.”
For further information please email ruth.cobb@printnz.co.nz or phone 027 248 9404.
Specialty winners named
