After a difficult judging process to select the ten finalists, a close contest is expected for PrintNZ’s 2022 BJ Ball Papers Print Apprentice of the Year award to be presented at the Pride In Print Awards in Auckland on June 23.
PrintNZ chief executive Ruth Cobb says every year the process of identifying the top performers and selecting the Apprentice of the Year candidates underscores “just how much craft there is in print. That remains unchanged – even as technology develops, so must their skill base in equal measure.
“For example, the technological advancements of digital printing presses do not mean it is simply a matter of pressing the ‘green’ button or the ‘red’ button – there is considerable technical expertise required to navigate the various challenges presented in order to achieve the top-quality print work that the industry produces. These apprentices demonstrate a huge depth and breadth to their skills and knowledge to deservedly achieve status as becoming the top of their trade.”
This year’s Top 10:
Caleb Bowater – Dzine Signs and Display; Paul Coe – Hally Labels; Tammy Connolly – The Big Picture; Brendan Eyles – Williams Signs; Issac Kightley – Nicholson Print; Catriona Mellows – Display Associates; Waka Ropiha – Sealed Air (NZ) Hamilton; Tana Stewart – Hamilton Stripes and Signs; Jamie Watson – Printcraft 81; Saxon White – Stuff, Lower Hutt.
(l-r) Tammy Connolly – The Big Picture; Paul Coe – Hally Labels; Saxon White – Stuff, Lower Hutt
(l-r) Caleb Bowater – Dzine Signs and Display; Issac Kightley – Nicholson Print; Catriona Mellows – Display Associates; Brendan Eyles – Williams Signs.
(l-r) Waka Ropiha – Sealed Air (NZ) Hamilton; Jamie Watson – Printcraft 81; Tana Stewart – Hamilton Stripes and Signs.
Cobb says that alongside their high-level technical skills, the apprentices also exhibited the “right attitude” to their work and learning, as reflected in a sampling of notable comments made by their direct managers or senior company executives:
- Caleb Bowater– a can-do attitude and willingness to learn new areas in the trade constantly shines immediately, but his calm nature under pressure is most unique
- Paul Coe– very friendly and personable, listens to advice and will do anything that he is asked, well organised and good at meeting timeframes
- Tammy Connolly– always maintains such a personable, friendly energy which buoys the whole team, all the while efficiently working through a big workload
- Brendan Eyles– a willingness to learn and accept challenges to improve impresses the most, while his attendance has been excellent and he has a positive attitude
- Issac Kightley– skills and aptitude to adapt to any requirements of the jobs he is performing, always handles his responsibilities with a calm and measured personality
- Catriona Mellows – demonstrates huge positivity and maturity with every project, took apprenticeship to the next level with regular after-hours/weekend commitment
- Waka Ropiha– a high attention to detail and goes the extra mile, a great asset to the team given his commitment, enthusiasm and focus
- Tana Stewart – passionate, takes pride in his workmanship, very thoughtful and dedicated in day-to-day tasks, a very respected and valued member of a small team
- Jamie Watson– impressive reliability and attention to detail, maintains a high standard of work and has proven to be a very good trouble shooter
- Saxon White– a highly-valued and liked member of staff with a can-do and courageous attitude, demonstrates constant desire to learn more about the press and industry
“Going through the selection process never fails to remind me that the future of our sector is in good hands," says Cobb. "Our industry takes great pride in celebrating and acknowledging each and every trainee each year through our Graduation Ceremonies, as well as particularly highlighting the top achievers at the always well-attended Pride In Print Awards evening.”
The 2022 BJ Ball Papers Print Apprentice of the Year will be presented on stage at the Pride In Print Awards, being hosted at Auckland’s Cordis Hotel on the evening of Friday June 23.
