John Billett from Foot and Playsted in Launceston has been announced as winner of the 2012 Tasmanian Apprentice of the Year Award.
Billett (pictured) received his award along with a $1000 cheque from Heidelberg at a ceremony in Hobart during August 2013 sponsored by Media Super.
Interviews were conducted earlier this year in Launceston and Hobart by Printing Industries State Manager, Victoria and Tasmania, Joan Grace, and Craig Pearce of Flying Colours Printing. Five apprentices were interviewed.
“We had an incredibly tough job choosing a winner when all of the candidates came with such high recommendation from their employers," Grace said. "Each of the apprentices nominated were of a very high calibre and a reflection of the high standards held by the printing industry in Tasmania. We were blown away by the quality of the work they presented, and the depth of knowledge and passion displayed by all the nominees.
"It is, however, a competition and we had to make a decision. John is an apprentice who has made considerable progress since completing his apprenticeship and someone who we are confident will make a contribution to the industry for many years to come," she said.
Pearce, a first time judge, said he was surprised at the quality of the apprentices interviewed.
"They all displayed a high quality of professionalism with exceptional interaction skills and demonstrated with transparency their commitment and enthusiasm for the industry," he said. "John, our winner, was a standout in many ways, with a very high degree of industry knowledge.
"He illustrated confidently his motivation to become a major contributor to the company he works for, and he acknowledged them for their commitment to his training," said Pearce. "John is a young man with massive potential which, in one way, made the selection process a little easier.”
Grace said that everyone was 'incredibly grateful' for the support of both Media Super and Heidelberg who have sponsored both the award and event for several years.
"It is vital that the industry recognises and encourages those young people who will, in years to come, be the ones driving the print industry in Tasmania," she said.