Jacob Wentholt headed to Australia earlier this week, after being named New Zealand’s top printing apprentice of the year, in May.
Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union organiser Jerome Mika says Mr Wentholt was a shining example of what could happen “when you gave workers a chance to improve their skills and lives.”
Initially a mail sorter, Jacob took the opportunity to retrain when the Government’s Modern Apprenticeship system came in, he said.
“Now, at 27, he’s the best in the country and possibly in Australasia. His future is very bright, and he has a lot to offer this country. This is the way to lift productivity by investing in people and giving them a chance to show what they can do.”
The convenor of the Council of Trade Unions Komiti Pasefika, Efu Koka, also paid tribute Mr Wentholt.
“He’s a young Samoan man taking full advantage of his opportunities, and setting and example to everyone,” he said.
Mr Wentholt lives with his family in Mangere and works at the Amcor packaging plant in East Tamaki.
