Applications are now open for Apprentice Training New Zealand’s Apprentice of the Year Award.
This is the third year of the awards for ATNZ, a not-for-profit group training organisation that employs more than 340 engineering apprentices and places them with host companies around New Zealand.
The award is open to all apprentices in their second year or more of mechanical engineering training who have signed a current training agreement with ATNZ and recognises the skills and talent of an exceptional all-rounder.
The winner will receive $1000 of tools and a $1000 JB Hi-Fi voucher – doubling the value of the prize pool of previous years.
ATNZ General Manager Susanne Martin said applications come from across all spheres of the engineering trade and believes the unprecedented challenges of 2020 will have further spotlighted extraordinary future tradies.
“Every year we’re blown away by the calibre of applications, and the obvious talent we are nurturing as we grow the next generation of Kiwi tradespeople. With the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, now more than ever, we need success stories to celebrate. We know during the lockdown and restart, what assets our apprentices have been to our host companies. That’s why we ask host companies to recognise the valuable contribution they have made to their workplaces and encourage their learners to apply.”
Applications must be received by no later than 5 pm on Friday 09 October 2020. The winner and runner-up will be announced at a ceremony in November. Full details, judging criteria, application tips and terms and conditions are available on the application form, which can be found at atnz.org.nz.
Fitting and machining apprentice Perrie Thomas (pictured), of Reporoa, won the award in 2019 said it was great recognition of what he had achieved so far, as well as confirmation he was on the right career path.
The winner of the inaugural award, Caleb Orotaunga, initially enrolled to study engineering at university before switching to an ATNZ apprenticeship. He graduated with a National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering in June this year.
