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Competenz joined with PrintNZ to recognise print apprentices were recognised for their outstanding work at the recent Print Graduation ceremonies. |
Hosted by PrintNZ, the ceremonies celebrate learners who have recently completed various print qualifications.
The ceremony marked was a double celebration for six talented Competenz apprentices who were announced as semi-finalists for Print Industry Apprentice of the Year.
The apprentices, actually now all qualified tradespeople, finished their apprenticeships in 2015 after working in the print industry and alongside a Competenz account manager for three to four years.
Each semi-finalist excelled in various areas such as attitude, performance, ambition and timeliness, and showed an outstanding commitment to learning and applying the skills they learnt.
Sione Taueli Tonga went on to win the Apprentice of the Year Award. He carried out his apprenticeship with Stratex, a leading supplier of packing materials to food producers. His apprenticeship was his first job after moving to New Zealand in 2003, and has been beneficial for both him and his family. He says, “Being a semi-finalist is a big achievement for me and inspires me to continue working hard in this industry.”
Another semi-finalist, Faanuualii Suafoa, 31, completed his apprenticeship with PMP Print and says the milestone of completing his apprenticeship created quite a buzz. He says, “It’s a big achievement and it is very exciting.”
Competenz sees these celebrations, and the Apprentice of the Year Award, as providing a great opportunity to honour and recognise those who have achieved in the industry.
They also offer a chance to recognise the hard yards put in by trainees and their trainers in front of their family, friends, and colleagues.
The remaining Competenz semi-finalists were Andrew Jenkins, Mark Ferrett, Sarah Ruby Hay and Moui-He-Ofa Molisi Saulala.
The Print Industry Apprentice of the Year Awards were announced at the Pride in Print Awards at SkyCity in Auckland.
Alsop joins Competenz
Competenz has extended a warm welcome to Grant Alsop, who takes over as account manager in the print, packing, signmaking, and journalism team.
Alsop joins Competenz from Aarque Group where he worked as an account manager in commercial print for the last six years.
He has had roles in the print industry all his working life, beginning as an apprenticeship in photolithography before working his way into various roles in the print industry. As someone who began with an apprenticeship, he expresses some excitement about helping others through their training. He says, “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time; leading people through their training. I love it.”
He also says, “I’m grateful for the support I have received so far from the Competenz team. I look forward to working with companies and learners through their training journey.”
His role in Competenz will involve looking after apprentices and trainees from the top half of the North Island from the print, packaging and signmaking industries, as well as promoting the benefits of on-the-job training.
Competenz is the industry training organisation for the print industry. To learn more about national certificates in print and related business training, please contact Grant Alsop, account manager – print, packaging, signmaking & journalism: g.alsop@competenz.org.nz| 027 210 2254.
