As graduation day approaches, print industry members have spoken in praise of the training programmes on offer.
Last year,Swug New Zealand selected NZME afternoon shift post press team leader Molisi Saulala (pictured above) as the Swug New Zealand Apprentice of the Year. He believes that achievement emphasises the value and rewards on offer through print industry training programmes. He says, “Having commenced employment with NZME (then APN Print Ellerslie) as a casual operator in the post press area I was, after a period of time, given the opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship in print finishing (reel fed).
“I relished the chance to expand my abilities and learn more about the job and industry, which was furthered by my managers progressively allowing me scope to take on greater responsibilities and further develop my organisational skills. The apprenticeship was a mind-blowing journey with many challenges along the way. To then also have the huge emotion of being recognised in front of my peers — as these apprentices are about to experience — was icing on the cake.
Orora Cartons Christchurch has graduates across all three of its plants and seven further staff in training. Factory supervisor Graeme Challis, says, “We put everyone on a Level 2 qualification as it gives us an opportunity to look at people to see if they accept the homework and the school books, and to see their attitude and if it is worthwhile taking them further.
“The rewards are amazing and the recognition is another step. It is great for the graduates to get recognition in the community and for us to get our name out there.”
Dave Bell, chief executive at printing.com chief, says the company has one graduate this year and about half a dozen other trainees. He says, “It fills in some gaps in their knowledge and also expands their knowledge,” he says.
“It is also about investing in their future and the business’s future. It’s about aligning business goals with our staff’s aspirations. We are all human and people, after doing a lot of work, deserve recognition. They have extended themselves, have been put under pressure and they’ve undertaken a lot of learning and come out the other end a lot more knowledgeable and valuable.”
PrintNZ will host Apprentice Training Graduation ceremonies at Christchurch’s Cardboard Cathedral on April 16 and Auckland’s Auckland’s Heritage Hotel April 22.
Ruth Cobb, general manager at PtintNZ, says the presentation series recognises every successful participant of a PrintNZ training course. She says, “The feedback I am receiving is that the graduates are genuinely thrilled at having the opportunity to share their achievements with industry colleagues and friends and family alike.
“PrintNZ acknowledges the important role in the training programmes and graduation ceremonies played by sponsors BJ Ball logo, Fuji and DIC.”
PrintNZ will make special presentations to the Diploma in Print Management Award finalists and winner; the 2014 Training Company of the Year and Workplace Trainer; and the top 12 apprentices across all programmes and the announcement of the five Apprentice of the Year finalists, who will then attend the Pride In Print Awards on May 1 in Wellington where the Apprentice of the Year will be announced.
For tickets or more information on this event, please email ruth.cobb@printnz.co.nz or contact her on 027 248 9404.
