PrintNZ will announce the Apprentice of hte Year this Friday at the Pride In Print Awards.
Meanwhile, it has announced the sector winners for the Apprentice of the Year Awards. They are:
- Heidelberg Sheetfed Apprentice of the Year — Jordan Lawson, Huhtamaki
- BJ Ball Papers Packaging Apprentice of the Year — Dilanka Attale, Kiwi Labels
- Wrh Global/Print Finishers Association Binding and Finishing Apprentice of the Year — Kelly-Ann Perry, Quality Print
- Trust4Skills Reelfed Apprentice of the Year — Jordan Godsiff, Stuff, Christchurch
- GAPF Digital Apprentice of the Year — James Garner, Print Central, Queenstown
- Competenz Print Diploma Student of the Year Award — Ross Craig, Jenkins Freshpac Systems
Huhtamaki production manager Clinton Sampson describes Jprdan Lawson, as an exceptional apprentice and a breath of fresh air with regards to attitude and leadership. Sampson says, “Jordan started at Interpac, which Huhtamaki subsequently acquired. in 2012 as a factory aid and his ability to take instructions and execute them well stood out straight away. He demonstrated a high level of responsibility and pride towards the smallest tasks and as his manager, you had to be impressed with everything he did. He will go on to lead and teach other apprentices. He has taken an early leap into his chosen field, health and safety, which is the backbone to ensuring we all go home safe at night.”
Kiwi Labels technical manager Andrew Thomson says Dilanka Attale’s willingness to learn and produce exceptional work makes him a well-respected member of the team. Thomson says, ‘Dilanka joined our team in 2012. He initially started as a printer’s assistant and established a great understanding of the flexo process and label production. Dilanka’s enthusiastic nature and high attention to detail landed him a position with our digital team where he rapidly developed his craft, producing exceptional award-winning product. Dilanka has a creative/innovative problem-solving ability and a great passion for this industry.”
Such was the impression Ms Perry made when applying for an already-filled reception position almost five years ago, that Quality Print owner Shawn Vennell says, “I didn’t want her to walk away.” and promptly presented a counter offer of a role in the bindery field. He adds, “We are delighted that she has been recognised as someone who has come through an apprenticeship and went on to do an advanced trade certificate. It’s wonderful to have brought Kelly-Ann through as my ninth apprentice and give her the joy and respect it has given me. Typically, she is a step ahead and the work is waiting at reception. Kelly-Ann pre-empts a lot, so she’s just a super team member to have. Nothing in her work books seemed a problem for her and the presentation of this work was outstanding. Kelly-Ann is a fast learner and recently, after having a creaser folder machine installed, she took charge to be the champion operator.”
Stuff print manager Jason Laine says having worked closely with Jordan Godsiff over a number of years, he cannot fault him as a person or as a printer. Laine says, “He has an extremely bright future ahead of him. His mechanical skills see him as an asset, not only in print, but in the publishing and maintenance departments also, and he is always keen to advance his knowledge. From day one Jordan’s level of work has been outstanding. I initially doubted whether he could maintain such a high standard throughout his training, but as is evident in his nomination, he has upheld the highest standard. Hopefully Jordan’s recognition may help to encourage our other apprentices to excel and strive to achieve an honour such as Apprentice of the Year.”
Print Central company director Graeme Hastie says having taken on James Garner as a digital department temp seven years ago, his attention to detail quickly impressed resulting in an offer soon after to make him a permanent employee. Hasties says, “We just saw something there and went ‘I think we want to keep him. He has good technical knowledge. He has good computer skills. He really does think about what the job entails — he delves into it. I’ve seen his assignments and they are at a high standard. The technical training has definitely helped him — his level of understanding is at a much higher level now.”
Jenkins Freshpac Systems operations manager Kate Maguire says Ross Craig’s personal commitment to training and his role with the firm see him truly deserving of the Competenz Print Diploma Student of the Year Award. She says, “Ross has a great work ethic and will go the extra mile. He is a good communicator with his colleagues, suppliers, customers and through to management. Ross is always willing to expand his skills in areas within the business such as food safety, Lean manufacturing and most recently, health and safety. His Leadership skills are improving daily and he is fast becoming an exceptional manager. It is seeing the likes of Ross achieve recognition at a national level that encourages his peers to aspire to achieve further milestones in their personal development and gives heart to us as a committed employer to support further training.”
