Media release from the office of Whangarei Mayor, Sheryl Mai

5 February, 2015

ITO Ceremony Rewards Combined Efforts

The efforts of many will be rewarded at Whangarei’s second Industry Training Organisation (ITO) Graduation Ceremony at Toll Stadium on Wednesday 25 February.

Each certificate presented at the ceremony results from the combined work of Whangarei graduates and their trainers, employers and supporters in our District’s ongoing industry training programme.

“We’ll be awarding certificates to the successful graduates from 2013, with the graduates of 2014 to be honoured later in the year,” says Whangarei Mayor, Sheryl Mai.

“However, we know that behind every graduate there is a skilled educator, willing employer and supportive whanau, so in effect we are also acknowledging them.”

More than 200 graduates are being invited to the ceremony from organisations across the industry training spectrum.

“They range from retail to real estate, community support services to carpentry, and everything possible in between, which means a broad pool of qualified workers have now begun contributing to the Whangarei work force, or are looking to in the near future,” Mayor Mai says.

“We want to applaud their commitment to improving their own lives and those of their families and communities, and hope to see as many as possible at this month’s ceremony.”

Invitations to the graduation ceremony will be sent to the employers of 2013 ITO graduates this week, and those who haven’t received one by 13 Februaryare encouraged to contact the Mayor’s office.

“They should contact my office on (09) 4703029 and we will forward one to them immediately,” Mayor Mai says.

“This is a significant event for our graduates, and we want them to be part of it.”

Also playing a major role in this event has been the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs. The Taskforce constitutes 65 New Zealand mayors collaborating toward the goal of higher youth employment throughout the country.

Clutha Mayor, Bryan Cadogan, who is Chair of the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs and guest speaker at the Whangarei ITO Graduation, says the Taskforce assists Councils in staging these ceremonies as a way of recognising the efforts of graduates, trainers and employers, and encouraging others to follow suit.

“The graduations are a time for celebration as well as thanks to local employers for their ongoing commitment to youth and training,” Mayor Cadogan says.

Mayor Mai says Whangarei appreciates the encouragement and practical assistance provided by Taskforce staff.

“We are grateful for their support, just as I’m sure graduates appreciate the enormous support they have been given throughout their training,” Mayor Mai says.

“Longterm success depends on a community of people working together, and that’s certainly what has been achieved here.”

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