Celebrating industry trainees' achievements

Christchurch trade apprentices – who are playing an integral role in the city’s rebuild – will have their achievements recognised at a special ceremony at the Aurora Centre on Monday 11 June 2012.

Around 100 apprentices and industry trainees are expected to attend the annual event, which was first held in 2004.  They have all completed apprenticeships and gained New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) certification in trades in the last year.

“This is an opportunity to celebrate the success of people who are critical to the rebuild of our city,” says Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker.  “It recognises the achievements of people in trades such as building, plumbing and horticulture, as well as other industries like hairdressing and caregivers.  All these jobs are essential to our workforce and economy.”

The ceremony is hosted by the Christchurch City Council in association with the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs and various Industry Training Organisations.  The Taskforce was established in 2000 and has the goal that all young people under 25 years should be engaged in appropriate education, training, work or other activities that contribute to long-term economic independence and wellbeing.

Canterbury Mayors Mr Parker; David Ayers, Waimakariri, and Kelvin Coe, Selwyn, will be at the ceremony, along with family members of graduates, employers and representatives from Industry Training Organisations (ITOs).

The ceremony on 11 June starts at 7pm and will finish about 9pm.  The guest speaker will be Duncan Gibb, Alliance Manager from Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT).