Newspaper apprentices were among those who gathered in Christchurch for PrintNZ's debut apprentice training graduation ceremony in the picturesque Cardboard Cathedral on Friday.
More than 50 guests embraced the presentation of 32 medals, among them Otago Daily Times Print's Kayla Lockett, who received Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications and was one of 12 semi-finalists named and was excited to be acknowledged in front of her parents and workmates.
"It's been great to share with everyone that I've actually done something," she said. Having previously gained experience in design, the training programmes since had widened her knowledge of the overall print industry and she was now considering undertaking a management diploma.
Father Kevin Dackers said he was very impressed: "To have medals, for me that is a big thing. Kayla has always been a quiet assassin, she plays down what she does, but when you talk to the people she works with and her boss, they rate her very highly."
Her mother Lynley Dackers, said both she and Kevin had completed apprenticeships: "It is important that they know they have done well."
Having received a Level 3 qualification, NZ Post's Simon Black praised the structure of the training programme, noting that "everything was readily available".
NZ Post production manager Marie Watson, whose Christchurch division is enrolling all of its employees in industry training programmes, praised PrintNZ for hosting the event and providing recognition to those trainees.
Added NZ Post team manager Steve Hooper: "Now that we know about it, it will grow. The first thing we have talked about is that we want our company to be one of the training company of the Year finalists. Hopefully we will have 30-40 people here next year."
The evening programme included a video of the intricacies of print production and PrintNZ general manager Ruth Cobb's tribute to industry trainees and their supporters. "We have always celebrated our top apprentices, but PrintNZ wanted to expand the celebrations to recognise everybody who had successfully completed a training programme in 2014," she said.
"In addition to providing the trainees with a memento of their hard work, we are delighted to be able to do so with their families, friends and employers present."
Recalling his own contrasting experience of having received an apprenticeship certificate in the mail, PrintNZ chairman Dan Blackbourn urged attendees to further their commitment to training and to pursuing the training company of the year and trainer of the year awards.
Central Auckland's Heritage Hotel will play host to the second PrintNZ Apprentice Training Graduation Ceremony on April 22.
The five apprentice of the year finalists will be honoured at the Pride In Print awards night at Wellington's TSB Arena on May 1, when the ultimate winner will be announced. For tickets or other information email ruth.cobb@printnz.co.nz or phone 027 248 9404.
• Extra chairs had to be found to accommodate the 200 people who witnessed the 90 presentations in Auckland.
PrintNZ general manager Ruth Cobb said the event celebrated "those that have made the commitment to formalise their skills - not just core printing skills, we have people in the room who have completed programmes in sales, first line management, business administration and the Print Management Diploma."
Following the presentation of Level 2 through to Level 5 qualifications, the ceremony acknowledged the Apprentice of the Year Award semi-finalists and five finalists, and then moved onto five speciality awards.
Trainer of the Year went to Phil Ost from APN's NZME, who was noted as bringing a particularly personal approach to his role and being considered a "trainer, mentor and friend" to his staff, within whom he strives to foster a culture of success.
"I'm absolutely rapt," he said. "There is a lot of dedication to try and motivate the apprentices. I'm also hands-on as I work on the night shift with them. I'm just honest with them and listen to what they have to say."
He was commended for having also personally developed NZME's in-house training programme which works in complement to the CMITO course requirements.
"All of our apprentices have a 26-week programme which they rotate through. We try to make sure they visit all of the different departments -- fitters, plate room, publishing and electrical - so they have more insight as to what is going on throughout the company."
Pictured: Some of the graduates and their proud managers