Apprentice showing the way to lift productivity

August 7, 2006

Media Release

Apprentice showing the way to lift productivity

New Zealand’s top printing apprentice is taking on the Aussies.

Jacob Wentholt heads to Australia today (Monday) to compete in the finals of the flexographic printing apprentice of the year competition, after earlier being named New Zealand’s top printing apprentice of the year.

The winner will be announced on Friday.

Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union organiser Jerome Mika said that Mr Wentholt was a shining example of what could happen when you gave workers a chance to improve their skills and lives.

“Jacob was a mail sorter, and when the government’s Modern Apprenticeship system came in he jumped at the chance to learn new skills,” he said.

“Now, at 27, he’s the best in the country and possibly in Australasia. His future is very bright, and he has a lot to offer this country. This is the way to lift productivity – by investing in people and giving them a chance to show what they can do.”

The convenor of the Council of Trade Unions Komiti Pasefika, Efu Koka, also paid tribute Mr Wentholt.

“He’s a young Samoan man taking full advantage of his opportunities, and setting and example to everyone,” he said.

Mr Wentholt lives with his family in Mangere and works at the Amcor packaging plant in East Tamaki.

ENDS

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