Coastal Otago Apprentice/Trainee of the Year

Coastal Otago Apprentice / Trainee of the Year - ‘Leader of the Future’

Rachae Lynch from Hallensteins was named Trainee of The Year tonight at the Coastal Otago Industry Training Organisation Graduation Ceremony held in Dunedin.

Rachae Lynch loved the retail industry as soon as she started work in it and enjoys seeing customers leave the store happy. Rachae has worked at the Dunedin branch of Hallensteins for nearly six years starting off as a sales assistant. Rachae has flourished in the company working her way up the ‘Hallensteins Ladder’ taking on roles such as, Tailored Consultant, Third in Charge, Acting Manager and recently obtained a permanent role as Assistant Manager. Employer, Craig Moffatt, believes her desire to become a successful retail manager shows her dedication to the industry. Rachae received a $500 cheque and trophy for the award.

The judging panel for the award included John Findlay (Head of School for Architecture, Building and Engineering, Otago Polytechnic), Gary Turner (Stevenson’s & Williams and a member of the JITO board) and Tracey Howell (Project Manager at Arrow International). The judges also awarded a Highly Commended certificate to Sean Denston from John Homan Motors in Balclutha. The other finalists were Christopher Preddy from Clutha Panel Repairs and James Bee from Lance Doran Automotive.

The event also recognised nearly 100 apprentices and industry trainees from 12 different industry training organisations who have qualified with their national certificates over the past year. The ceremony was a way to acknowledge and celebrate the future success of industry in the Otago region through the apprentices, trainees and industry leaders of today.

The annual trades graduation comes under the Mayor's Taskforce and is organised through the Dunedin City, Waitaki and Clutha District Councils and originally recognised the need to promote careers in the industry service sector in response to a significant shortage of skilled workers. Up until 2003 there was no public recognition of the work that had gone into the achievement of industry based qualifications. This Dunedin initiative has since taken off nationwide.

The major sponsor for the 2011 Graduation was the Otago Polytechnic. Other sponsors included Dunedin City Council Economic Development Unit, Clutha District Council, Waitaki District Council and Fulton Hogan.

ENDS

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