Tassie boy takes top apprentice award

20-year-old Stuart Heather from Huon Valley News wins 2009 Tasmanian Apprentice of the Year.

Heather, (pictured), who began his apprenticeship three years ago at the Tasmanian newspaper and commercial printer, said that he was “surprised and excited” when he was awarded the prize, which included a $1000 cheque from Heidelberg, a trophy and framed certificate, and two tickets to attend this year’s Tasmanian PICA awards at Hobart last week.

“This award is a good thing to have under my belt to go forward in the industry,” he said.

Heather was attracted to a career in printing after hearing about the profession through one of his best mates, who works as a print finisher. “What I like best about printing is the variety of jobs,” he said. “I enjoy printing a newspaper and then also doing business cards, books and letterheads; you’re not stuck doing the one thing all the time.”

The five nominated apprentices recommended by RMIT University were each interviewed two weeks ago by Ron Patterson, Printing Industries Association general manager Victoria/Tasmania and Danny Roach of the Tasmanian Regional Council.

“We are very happy to see the high caliber of apprentices coming through the system, the award is a prestigious one and the decision wasn’t easy,” Patterson said.  “After much deliberation, we decided that Stuart stood out as the deserving winner.”