PRINT AOTY COMES DOWN TO FINAL FIVE

The five finalists for New Zealand’s BJ Ball Print Apprentice of the Year have been named, with the winner set to be revealed at Pride in Print at Takina Events in Wellington on Friday July 12.

The finalists, who have each been named Apprentice of the Year (AotY) in their particular fields, are:

·         Trust4Skills Reelfed AotY – George Cunningham, Allied Press (Dunedin)

·         GAPF Digital AotY – Anna Hodge, Be My Guest Design (Dunedin)

·         Heidelberg Packaging AotY – Levi Lindsey – MCC Auckland (Auckland)

·         BJ Ball Label Printing AotY – Amit Shankar – Labelmakers (Hamilton)

·         PrintNZ Binding and Finishing AotY – Kathryn Wheeler – Freedom Plus (Palmerston North)

George Cunningham was a kitchenhand before joining the print sector. Cunningham described being named in the Top 5 as “astounding, never having come so far with something before. It’s been such a personal achievement for me,” he said.

Cunningham expressed gratitude for the support he has received from Allied Press management and co-workers.

Anna Hodge was previously an accomplished graphic designer, she said she took on the digital apprenticeship as a personal challenge, and to “find some way to diversify my career”.

“I would describe myself as an introverted-introvert so being recognised for my work in this way doesn't come naturally to me,” said Hodge. “I am honoured to be announced in the Top 5.” She particularly acknowledged the contribution of Competenz account manager Steven Jack to her apprenticeship.

Levi Lindsey admitted to not having the “slightest idea” as to the significance of the print industry prior to his employment with MCC Auckland (formerly as Adhesif Labels)

“I have always felt like I've put my best foot forward in any circumstance, but it's sometimes a challenge to give 110 per cent when you're your own cheerleader,” he said.

Amit Shankar said being named in the Top 5 is a, “great honour” and recognition of “hard work and dedication”.

Describing himself as still “fascinated” by the intricate work produced by Labelmakers, Shankar also strongly praised the company for the priority it places on “collaboration and building strong relationships within the team”.

Kathryn Wheeler came to Freedom Plus from a job at McDonald’s, and said, “While I still can't believe it, being named in the Top 5 is an incredible honour. “There are so many people who have also put in the hard work.”