One of the highlights of the annual Pride in Print Awards is the Apprentice of the Year – celebrating emerging industry talent. The team at GSM donned our best threads and went along to catch up with the five finalists.
Pride in Print 2022 was held in the newly opened Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre—a stunning venue for this prestigious event. As always, one of the most anticipated awards bestowed on the night is the BJ Ball Apprentice of the Year— propelling a select group of emerging industry talent into the limelight.
For the Apprentice of the Year awards—one finalist is announced in each of the five categories: offset, screen printing, packaging, reel-fed, and digital print. From these five category finalists—one individual is awarded the coveted title; The Apprentice of the Year.
The Category Finalists for 2022 were:
- Kosema Fuiono Heidelberg Offset Apprentice of the Year 2022
- Liam Blom PrintNZ Screen Print Apprentice of the Year 2022
- Frey Head BJ Ball Packaging Apprentice of the Year 2022
- John Reddy Trust4Skills Reel-fed Apprentice of the Year 2022
- Nana Southball GAPF Digital Apprentice of the Year 2022
The BJ Ball Apprentice of the Year 2022 was:
- Kosema Fuiono BJ Ball Apprentice of the Year 2022
KOSEMA FUIONO > BJ BALL APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR 2022
Representing Blue Star Collard, Auckland
Category Finalist: Heidelberg Offset Apprentice of the Year
GSM: Tell us about your journey of becoming an apprentice?
KF: My journey started as a print assistant back in 2015 working with one of the toughest printers I know. The whole printing process got me very interested in learning more about printing. After a year, I was offered an opportunity to learn die cutting and foiling. Two years later, I was very blessed to be offered the opportunity to take on a printing apprenticeship.
GSM: Tell us about balancing work and study as an apprentice—and how you work with your trainer?
KF: Learning on the job can be quite full on at times but also very exciting. It does get challenging but learning while doing the job really does help. Balancing work and study can be full on, especially when you have other commitments outside of work and children that are still very young. But, if there’s a will there’s always a way.
Getting to know my trainer wasn’t a big issue for me as he is a brilliant person and very good with people. He was very supportive throughout my apprenticeship and that’s what made it easier for me. There were also printers that have been doing the job for many years who had a very positive impact on my learning. I’m very blessed to have crossed paths with many people who have passed their knowledge onto me. I didn’t really have any major difficulties as the more I enjoyed doing the job the easier it became. When I do have the odd day where something doesn’t go to plan (as I call it a ‘bad day’) I actually learn more. I look back at what went wrong and actually learn from it—sometimes the same problem will occur again and when it does, you have the ability to fix it.
GSM: What was it like being nominated for the Apprentice of the Year award?
KF: To be honest, I wasn’t expecting to be in the top 10 so to be nominated as a finalist was pretty amazing—hard work does get recognised. I was really surprised and humbled by it. The process was a bit nerve-racking as I’ve never had to do anything like that before.
GSM: What advice would you give someone looking to get an apprenticeship in
the print industry?
KF: I would definitely encourage anyone looking at joining the industry or applying for an apprenticeship because I have enjoyed it myself.
GSM: Where to from here for you?
KF: I will still keep learning as there is always room to learn, to grow and to become a senior printer. I’d like to be able to help anyone new that is taking the same steps as I have taken. And I am always open to taking on any other opportunities to further my learning and to better myself. In the future, I’d like to become part of a leadership team but for now learning continues.
LIAM BLOM
Representing ACI Screen & Print, Auckland
Category Finalist: PrintNZ Screen Print Apprentice of the Year
GSM: Tell us about your journey of becoming an apprentice?
LB: I came into the print industry by chance—but, I worked really hard and became interested in the whole process, not just the end product. Within around three months, I was assisting the printer at the time, Ian Curry, as well as doing everything else required. I learnt a lot from him as well as my employers, Phil and Paula Norvill. My employers then made me aware of the apprenticeship and encouraged me to take it on. I was hesitant at first, as I didn’t think I would be great with the book work but after discussing it with Competenz, and reviewing what the whole apprenticeship would entail, I decided to have a crack at it.
GSM: Tell us about balancing work and study as an apprentice— and how you work with your trainer?
LB: I did find it fairly difficult at the start—making the time to learn, going through the work books and completing assignments on top of a very busy work schedule. I wasn’t very disciplined—I had left school at 15. However, with encouragement from my training advisor, Grant Alsop, and my employer, Phil Norvill, I was able to manage my time effectively and produce some quality work.
GSM: What was it like being nominated for the Apprentice of the Year award?
LB: I was honestly surprised. I was just happy with completing my apprenticeship and gaining qualifications in a career that I’ve really become passionate about. Going further was the cherry on the top. With regards to the interviewing process, I was incredibly nervous as I’m not great with speaking with strangers, let alone a panel of judges who know their stuff. However, they were all such lovely people who made me feel relaxed and once I started talking about my work I couldn’t stop.
GSM: What advice would you give someone looking to get an apprenticeship in the print industry?
LB: Printing is a very interesting industry, there are a lot of different pathways to choose. Print is everywhere and there is a lot more that goes into it than most people would think. Print is constantly in our faces and a part of our lives.
GSM: Where to from here for you?
LB: For the short term I want continue to learn as much as possible, further my skills and knowledge, not only in my sector of the industry but within the different sectors too. I’m also very keen on sharing what I’ve learnt with other potential apprentices and training them up. With discussions with my employer, I’m keen to take on a greater role here at ACI Screen & Print with the prospect of gaining shares in the business. Long term, I intend to be running my own print business and growing with the industry whilst also working with the next generation and providing them the opportunity to become a part of the industry.
JOHN REDDY
Representing Philstic Labels, Auckland
Category Finalist: Trust4Skills Reel-fed Apprentice of the Year
GSM: Tell us about your journey of becoming an apprentice?
JR: I always knew that university was not something I saw for myself. I wanted to ‘learn and earn’. I wanted to get a trade. Which trade was the big question. I applied for many advertised apprenticeship jobs. The first company to contact me was Huhtamaki, a printing company in Henderson. I was lucky enough to get an apprenticeship with the company. Unfortunately, after a couple of years into my apprenticeship the company shut down and I was made redundant. With the help of Grant Alsop, from Competenz, an interview at Philstic labels was organised. I finished my apprenticeship with them.
GSM: Tell us about balancing work and study as an apprentice— and how you work with your trainer?
JR: I faced several challenges whilst being an apprentice. Firstly, I was a young father, so balancing family life and bookwork was tricky at times. With the help of my wife, I was able to fully focus on my bookwork while she looked after our son. Secondly, were the assignments. My trainer, Grant Alsop, was really helpful, if I was stuck on a certain question, he would point me in the right direction. He always reminded me of how much all the hard work would pay off at the end of my apprenticeship.
GSM: What was it like being nominated for the Apprentice of the Year award?
JR: I was really proud of being named a finalist as it showed not only me, but my family, that all the hard work I had put in during my apprenticeship was recognised. The process was nerve racking, the interview especially. Being asked questions by the board was something that I was nervous about. Although, when the interview began it didn’t take long to realise that the members of the judging panel were all very welcoming. The awards were held at the Pride in Print Awards. For the whole event I was on the edge of my seat in anticipation of the award. You aren’t really relaxed until after the winner is named. Well, that’s how I felt anyway.
GSM: What advice would you give someone looking to get an apprenticeship in the print industry?
JR: I would tell them to go for it! When I joined the industry, I had no idea I would be able to achieve the things I have by the age of 25. I’ve got two beautiful boys, I’m married, and my wife and I were able to buy a home. If you’re willing to work hard, and willing to learn, then you can be very successful in the print industry.
GSM: Where to from here for you?
JR: My short-term goal is to master the digital press, on which I am currently a level 1 operator. And, my long-term career goal is to get my certificate in print management and at some point have a role in management.
NANA SOUTHBALL
Representing Blue Star Constellation, Auckland
Category Finalist: GAPF Digital Apprentice of the Year
GSM: Tell us about your journey of becoming an apprentice?
NS: I joined a small printery in Hamilton, and after a while, the employer asked me if I wanted to do an Apprenticeship in Digital Print instead of going to university. The apprenticeship scheme allows you to learn and work without student debt. I started off in the industry very green! Although I had a passion for what the print industry was, I didn’t understand all aspects and opportunities it could provide me. Once I had relocated to Auckland to continue my apprenticeship at Blue Star Constellation, I realised what the print industry could offer me. A whole new world of print opened up to me when they provided me with all the machines and equipment to further excel my understanding and my passion for the industry.
GSM: Tell us about balancing work and study as an apprentice— and how you work with your trainer?
NS: The balance between work and study was difficult at times, especially when we were very busy with the day to day work requirements. However, I spent a lot of time outside my working hours to ensure I completed all of my papers in a timely manner. My trainer, Mandy Nilsson, was easy to get to know— we had our Cavoodle puppies in common which was a great talking point. Mandy and I have always had an easy working relationship. Getting to know Mandy felt natural and I felt more comfortable and at ease with a female trainer. The only difficulties were through Covid-19 when we had to change our shifts, social distancing etc as on the job training had to be postponed for a while. Another difficulty was learning print jargon quickly in a fast-paced environment—GSM, CMYK, Stock. At the start, these were very foreign to me.
GSM: What was it like being nominated for the Apprentice of the Year award?
NS: It felt pretty surreal—being the top apprentice in my category feels like a great reward for my hard work. I didn’t realise how much planning goes into Apprentice of the Year and Pride in Print—the overall experience was just eye opening. Having my family and my partner there, and the emotion on the night—is something I’ll cherish forever.
GSM: What advice would you give someone looking to get an apprenticeship in the print industry?
NS: Why wouldn’t you? Print is everywhere. There are many aspects and areas you can be involved in. From digital, screen, packaging, commercial and the list goes on. The industry has allowed me to invest in my future and give me a stable career path. If you have the mind-set and the motivation—you should definitely consider print. You gain a qualification—and get paid!
GSM: Where to from here for you?
NS: I’d like to master my role as a structural designer and prepress expert. Having both skill sets is unique in the packaging sector. I have also started my Diploma in Print Management with Competenz so I can learn more about the business and extend my expertise, then one day—lead a team.
FREY HEAD
Representing Oji Fibre Solutions Paper Bag, Auckland
Category Finalist: BJ Ball Packaging Apprentice of the Year
GSM: Tell us about your journey of becoming an apprentice?
FH: I started out in the print industry working as an assistant operating slitting and lamination/coating machines for a company called Epic Packaging. During this period, I was fortunate enough to work with some talented printers who took the time to share with me some of their knowledge and experiences in the printing industry. It was here that I developed a real appreciation for print. Unfortunately at the time, the company did not have any apprenticeships available—so I moved to Stratex. About eighteen months into this job, a work colleague alerted me to an advertised apprenticeship with Oji Fibre Solutions. I applied, and after going through a selection process, they took me on as an apprentice.
GSM: Tell us about balancing work and study as an apprentice—and how you work with your trainer?
FH: I enjoyed working and learning on the job and putting into practice the theory. Being able to learn from experienced printers really helped me develop and hone my skills. Balancing work, study and family was challenging— but I learnt to use my time more efficiently by sticking to a good routine. This helped considerably in the final year of my apprenticeship when I took on extra responsibilities. My trainers from Competenz were very friendly and approachable, I enjoyed our conversations—their advice and guidance really helped me through my apprenticeship.
GSM: What was it like being nominated for the Apprentice of the Year award?
FH: Being nominated was a great achievement. It was a real honour to be named one of the top 5 apprentices in NZ. I was certainly amazed at how big the event was—and how much work goes into it. I was very nervous going into the interview process but the judges on the judging panel were very friendly and easy to talk to. Overall it was an amazing experience.
GSM: What advice would you give someone looking to get an apprenticeship in the print industry?
FH: I would definitely recommend a career in print. The industry is everywhere and even after completing an apprenticeship there are still so many opportunities for growth and development.
GSM: Where to from here for you?
FH: Currently, I have a team leader role on the night shift—so for now my focus is on further developing my printing and leadership skills. Eventually, I would like to explore the industry more and gain further experience working with different printing presses. My long term goal is to complete a certificate in print management and to lead a print department.
Employers can nominate a candidate for Apprentice of the Year on completion of their apprenticeship.
For further details please contact Ruth Cobb at PrintNZ—email: ruth.cobb@printnz.co.nz
This article was originally published in GSM18. To read this and other great articles purchase this issue here.
