“These people represent the best in their respective sectors and will go on to contend for the overall Print Apprentice of the Year title,” says Print NZ chief executive Ruth Cobb. “They had some tough competition.”
The Top 5 Apprentice of the Year finalists are:
Bonny Seymour - The Gisborne Herald, Gisborne - Trust4Skills Reelfed Apprentice of the Year
Workplace Trainer: Nick Scanlan
Competenz Trainer: Malcolm Pearce
When entering the sector as a print apprentice in 2016, Bonny Seymour says he was attracted by the opportunity to both make a significant change in his working lifestyle while also better providing for his growing family. “I regard gaining a trade certificate as a high honour,” he says.
His current position as pressroom operator at The Gisborne Herald also provides considerable job enjoyment. “I really enjoy my workplace. All the staff at The Gisborne Herald are very approachable and there is a very good family vibe here.
“This apprenticeship was no easy road. I certainly left no stone unturned when it came to my assignments. I have a story to tell and I hope I can inspire other apprentices.”
Nurudin Pelenda - Ovato, Auckland - Sheetfed Apprentice of the Year
Workplace Trainer: Tony Reid
Competenz Trainer: Grant Alsop
Emigrating to New Zealand from war-torn, former Yugoslavia in 1990, Nurudin Pelenda turned his machine technician qualifications to various jobs before ultimately juggling two printer assistant roles in the late 1990s.
“I am quite mechanically-minded, I have always had a thing about working with machines. So, I did other things, such as baking. I am a qualified baker and I actually emptied the bins for printing companies and then ended up asking them for a job.
“We have five kids, so at the time, I worked two jobs. I only had Sunday off, one day a week, for something like five years.”
He feels humbled to have the apprenticeship opportunity with Ovato and to gain the subsequent awards’ recognition. “At my age (48), for my company and my supervisors to recognise my hard work and to put me into the apprenticeship, I am very grateful. You usually expect it for someone younger. I’ve put in a lot of hard work and I am doing quite well on the press. I am quite humble, but I have a self-drive.”
Ryan Scott-Fellows - Hally Labels, Christchurch - BJ Ball Papers Packaging Apprentice of the Year
Competenz Trainer: Steven Jack
Since entering the industry five years ago as a print assistant with his firm, Ryan Scott-Fellows says it has proven a great, mutual fit ever since.
“It was something that would keep me both mentally and physically active, and had an artistic flair to it, which was something I wish I had done more with back in high school. I got the opportunity to start the apprenticeship in early-mid 2017 which I jumped at.”
He finds two aspects of his work particularly stimulating. One is producing visually stunning labels such as those for the wine and coffee industries, and the other is taking full advantage of the abundance of learning opportunities at Hally Labels.
He describes the awards recognition as a “massive and welcome surprise”, particularly given current events throughout the world. “I always thought I had a good chance of getting a nomination, but actually being one of the Top Five Apprentices of the Year was just mind-blowing.”
Parth Bhatt - McHargs, Christchurch - Print Finishers Association Binding and Finishing Apprentice of the Year
Workplace Trainer: Tim McHarg
Competenz Trainer: Steven Jack
Entering the print industry four years ago, initially in an odd-jobs capacity while completing his studies, Parth Bhatt says he has since thrived within his team of hard-working professionals at McHargs.
“I love contributing to the team effort, bringing out the best in myself and in my teammates, fulfilling our work goals and reaching top results. I seek timely and consistent feedback, designed to improve not only my performance, but the team’s performance as well. I consult with people, try my best and treat everyone positively/equally.
“I have faced several challenges on my way here, but each one of them has only strengthened me, to make me the person I am today.
Vanessa Hooton - Tainui Press, Matamata - PrintNZ Digital Apprentice of the Year
Workplace Trainer: Dale Ertel
Competenz Trainer: Grant Alsop
Gaining an insight to the sector while at high school through a once-a-week typesetting placement at a local newspaper, Vanessa Hooton has enjoyed a rapid evolution in the five years since.
“I remember knowing next to nothing about the print industry and graphic design, but after the first few weeks of my work placement, I knew this was something that I wanted to do.
“The diversity of the print industry was attractive and the fact that each day was something different, with new things to learn and obstacles to overcome. I loved the chance to be creative and expand my knowledge.
“It is a rewarding and exciting feeling to be acknowledged in this amazing industry. It is a huge accomplishment that I am so proud to share with everyone in my workplace. I always strive to do the best I can and I never like to output a ‘half-ass’ job.”
Cobb added: “There were some very difficult decisions made to get from the 12 presented last week to this final five - they had some tough competition.
"The Apprentice of the Year award especially recognises those who have excelled in their studies which they completed within the last 12 months, and displayed a great passion and enthusiasm for their work and our industry."
“This reveal would have taken place at the PrintNZ Training Graduations and been a surprise for both their employer and the apprentice alike. Again, we are asking you to give them a virtual cheer and recognise their special achievement in the absence of being able to do that in front of their colleagues and families.
"Our industry requires skilled workers to produce excellent products and today that's what we are here for - to celebrate those people who have made a commitment to our industry by undertaking a training programme, and the employers that have recognised their talent and provided them with the opportunity to do so.
“A huge thanks to our Apprentice of the Year sponsors - BJ Ball Papers, Heidelberg, Trust4Skills, Print Finishers Association and Competenz. They have continued to support the Apprentice of the Year Awards through this time meaning we can continue on the pathway to naming our overall winners.
“Congratulations to all the graduates of 2019 and good luck to the Top 5 Apprentice of the Year candidates.”
