Screen printer Baydon Harris, of Dunedin, is smiling from ear to ear after winning his second major training award for 2007, the Coastal Otago Apprentice of the Year title.
Baydon was nominated by his employer Sean Toomey, of John Colours (1998) Ltd. Around 100 nominations were made by local employers, from which seven finalists were selected.
A delighted Baydon says he attended an interview and felt it had gone okay, but he had no idea that his name would be announced as the winner. The seven finalists were in the audience at the Coastal Otago Industry Training Graduation Ceremony in Dunedin. Baydon attended the event with his partner, family, employer and workmates.
"I was really pleased to have won," says Baydon. "This has capped off an amazing year of achievements for me. It was also really special to have my family and workmates come along, as not all were able to attend the PrintNZ Training Apprentice Awards in June."
Earlier this year, Baydon was announced as the top screen printing apprentice for 2006. He travelled to Christchurch to attend the PrintNZ Training Apprentice Awards, where he was also announced printing industry Apprentice of the Year.
Baydon completed his screen printing apprenticeship last year, with 16 "excellent" assignment marks. At the beginning of his apprenticeship Baydon had set himself a goal of winning the screen apprentice award.
John Colours (1998) Ltd produces a wide range of work including labels, stickers, large signs, posters and packaging.
