Christchurch Baking Apprentice Achieves NZ First

MEDIA RELEASE
September 21, 2000

Christchurch Baking Apprentice Achieves New Zealand First

The first baking apprentice to successfully complete their qualification under the recently introduced national certificate system has been named and will receive his certificate at a special ceremony on Thursday.

Twenty six year old Kerry Kirk has completed his three-year apprenticeship with Hornby New World in Christchurch, achieving his Level Four National Certificate in Food Production Baking (Craft Baking).

Competenz food and beverage national manager Karen Davies says Kerry's achievement has set a benchmark for other baking apprentices training under the new system.

"We are proud to formally present Kerry with his certificate as he has worked extremely hard to achieve his goal and we wish him all the best for his career," says Miss Davies.

"As the training "standards bearer" for the baking industry Competenz is responsible for developing and facilitating qualifications to meet the needs of industry. The national certificate system has been well received by industry on a whole and it is satisfying to see people reaping the rewards."

Baking qualifications were formerly called trade certificates and based on 'time served' and exams as apposed to the national certificate system which focuses on competency. National certificates are made up of unit standards which are registered on the NZQA National Qualifications Framework.

Unit standards recognise knowledge and practical expertise required for competency in a skill. National certificates are accepted nationally and internationally.

Kerry Kirk will continue working for Hornby New World as he says the work is varied allowing him to constantly learn, however his ultimate goal is to reach a management position in the baking industry. He says the best thing about his job is "the day to day satisfaction of achieving results for other people's enjoyment".

John Broadhead chief executive officer of Competenz, the Industry Training Organisation which represents the baking industry, will present Kerry with his certificate at Hornby New World at 10.30 am on Thursday September 21.

Released on behalf of Competenz by Porter Novelli New Zealand. For further information please contact:

Karen Davies Competenz 09 525 5400 or Carolyn Wellburn Porter Novelli New Zealand 09 373 3786

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