Tim Bright shines as LIA/Heidelberg Graduate of the Year

Future is bright for this year’s winner of the LIA/Heidelberg Graduate of the Year Award.

25-year-old Tim Bright, (pictured) printing machinist at Carter Holt Harvey’s Smithfield operation, was overwhelmed when he was declared winner at the LIA awards last week.

“I was a little bit shocked because I really didn’t expect to win,” he said. “Now that the award has sunk in, the exposure has been great and people have been very supportive and happy for me.”

Judges declared competition just as tough this year, with the short-list including: Neil Hyde of Rawson Graphics; Matt Rutherford, CCS Media Packaging; Tim Ryan, Blue Star Print Group; Dane Kasunic, CSI Print and Tara Cotton, Westman Printing.

Like most youth, Bright was previously unaware of printing as a potential vocation until he was encouraged to take up an apprenticeship by a friend in the industry. It’s a decision he has never looked back on.

“What I like about the printing industry is that it’s fast-paced and rewarding,” he said. “There are a lot of challenges at the start and you need to have a fine eye for detail.” He intends to stick around in the industry, with hopes of moving into management.

Bright’s supervisor, Greg Bessant, print manager at the Smithfield plant, has known Bright since he was 13 years old and has witnessed his progression in the printing world.

“He’s a real shaker and mover,” said Bessant. “This award will put him in good stead for the future.”