A shortlist of New Zealand’s finest print talent faces a nervous countdown to the industry’s annual gala event, as five finalists wait to hear who will become the PrintNZ Apprentice of the Year at SkyCity on May 13, as Cheyne Lesa (pictured above) did last year. The finalists are Andrew Jenkins, from Quality Print, Taupo; Sione Tonga, Stratex New Zealand, Auckland; Faanuualii Suafoa, PMP Print, Auckland; Paul Falvey, Printlink and Martin Maunsell, Orora Packaging, Christchurch. Ruth Cobb, general manager of PrintNZ, says the finalists represent a decent geographic spread of quality print firms from around the country, a mix of relatively new and more established servants to the sector. She says, “Each apprentice has been strongly supported by their employers as they seek to advance their own careers and in turn further the entire industry, and all have most certainly repaid that faith by being named a finalist in this prestigious award.â€
Andrew Jenkins
Having stacked grocery shelves with goods enhanced by the industry’s output during his teens, Andrew Jenkins says his inspiration to enter the sector came when he discovered the passion and quality of craft that went into that production. He says, “I enjoy finishing a job and seeing what I have created. “Fortunately I work in a business that is small enough that I get to be a part of almost every stage of the print process. From making my own plates to printing the job, to die-cutting, creasing, folding or cutting the job down to size. Learning the whole process is something I enjoyed about the apprenticeship training.†Harbouring ambitions to ultimately achieve ownership or part ownership of a print business, He says winning the award would, “give me more confidence to complete my career goals. It would also give me reassurance that the decisions I have been making to forward my career are a step in the right direction.†His boss, Quality Print director Shawn Vennell, says, “To see an apprentice take care in all the periphery detail such as deadlines, the where and why of subcontractors and outsourcing logistics has simply been a breath of fresh air “Having a staff member like Andrew allows a company director to concentrate on the direction of the business rather than micromanaging or even putting out fires!â€
Sione Taueli Tonga
Another relatively-new entrant to the industry, Sione Taueli Tonga has found the intricacies of ink performance, the prepress process and how to readily trouble-shoot issues as challenging and enjoyable aspects of his learnings. Having spent a few years making ends meet in jobs after emigrating to New Zealand, he says, “Winning the award would be a dream come true. I always wanted a job with a career path that would give me the opportunity to give my wife and kids a better life and a job I could come home from and feel like I had achieved something. “This achievement would not only make me proud but would be a huge testimony to my extended family, friends and Tongan community that this kind of accolade is possible if you’re prepared to do the hard work.†Despite juggling family commitments (having three children) and church community work, He completed all assignments eight months earlier than required. Stratex print manager Ross Halliday says Tonga has always made himself available for overtime. Halliday adds, “Sione is a self-motivated person and has a lot of drive to succeed in all tasks he takes on, he also has a great sense of humour — not a day goes by where you don’t hear him busting out into song while he’s working or sharing a joke with fellow staff. “Right from day one when offered the apprenticeship Sione told me he would be up on stage competing for the Apprentice of the Year Award — and he has not disappointed.â€
Faanuualii Suafoa
Initially facing some challenges after emigrating to New Zealand, Faanuualii Suafoa says through the support of PMP Print and the apprenticeship experience, his eyes have fully opened to the opportunities before him. He says, “My goal is to climb up the leadership ladder, to become a good operator and become a supervisor. “When I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the printing industry, in the future I want to become a business man and own a small printing business in Samoa.†He sees the possibility of winning the award as great milestone. He says, “I feel very proud and honoured to have such a great opportunity to win this achievement as it is a good example for my kids, my young co-workers — especially our Pacific Islanders — of what to look forward to and strive for in their future careers in the printing industry.†PMP Print site manager Craig Harrison describes Suafua as an “excellent worker†throughout his apprenticeship. Harrison says, “We saw initiative and a drive in him to work hard and smart that secured him the apprenticeship rather than any of his peers or an outside candidate. “He has an ability to inspire his crews and gain the best from them and is always willing to teach others that work around him. He will go far in his career and all I can hope for is that he is with PMP for as long as I’m here.â€
Paul Falvey
With a family history in the industry, Paul Falvey admits to having developed a fascination with everything to do with print and has taken great satisfaction in applying his learned skills to producing quality products. He says, “Learning on the job in a big business is very challenging. You have to be able to learn how to operate machinery quickly because even though you are learning there are still schedules that have to be met, leaving a very small margin for error.†With ambitions to broaden his knowledge of the business and the wider industry, Falvey says winning the award would provide a great sense of accomplishment. He says, “It would reinforce the notion that anything can be achieved with hard work, patience and perseverance.†Printlink produced last year’s Apprentice of the Year Cheyne Lesa. Mathew Webster, factory manager at Printlink, says Falvey also demonstrates all round ability and has developed into a complete bindery tradesperson. Webster says, “I think Paul’s attitude, attention to detail, flexibility and work ethic are all traits that set Paul apart from the rest. Since Paul started his apprenticeship he has displayed a willingness to want to learn more and has always given 110 per cent in everything that he puts his hand to. “Paul is a patient young man who in the face of adversity has shown he is able to remain calm and in control, which is imperative in this ever-changing industry.†After 14 years in the print finishing and carton folding areas, Martin Maunsell says it has been a challenge to experience being the boy on the floor again, adding that he had goals to motivate.
Martin Maunsell
He says, “The most enjoyable part of my training is when I need to problem solve and can get the right result without needing help; showing my trainer that I’m improving. “My ambitions are to be a part of Orora and contribute to its success. I would like to help as many people as I can join this company and have the chance to learn the skills that were shared with me. “Winning would mean I’m on the right track, that the values I hold close are the ones needed for success.†Orora Packaging production supervisor Graeme Challis says, “Martin has the ability to master whatever machine/trade that is put in front of himâ€, having already collected various skills and qualifications over the years. “He is very valued and liked by all that surround him. During the last year of Martin’s Level 4 finishing programme he expressed an interest in machine performance statistics and management practices. Martin has since started the Diploma in Print Management. “Martin really enjoys the people he works with whether it’s comradery, training or learning. I see these attributes combined with his interest in the diploma to be a great combination to become an asset to our industry in the future.†What: PrintNZ Apprentice of the Year Where: Announced at Pride In Print, Sky City When: May 13 Contact: PrintNZ, click here Contact: Pride In Print, click here
