Sealed Air man lands Apprentice of the Year award

Steven Hunter, from Hamilton’s Sealed Air, has won the Apprentice of the Year Award, receiving his prize at Friday night’s Pride In Print Awards at Sky City in Auckland.

Hunter accepted the award from Lisa Hegh of BJ Ball Papers, representing the Apprentice Awards major sponsor Icon Digital Papers. His win came after a rigorous selection process based on information and feedback from employers, training advisors, Competenz, assessors, workshop tutors and data from assignments, marks and completion times.

John Cudby, acting general manager for Competenz, Print, Sign & Journalism, says, “Steven has a very high level of technical knowledge and problem solving ability, is a great team player and has been leading his nightshift team for the past six months.

“Starting at the bottom, cleaning, sweeping and greasing, he truly does have ink in his veins. He now operates an eight-colour press and has produced some remarkable work, marrying an understanding of new technologies with the traditional crafts.”

Hunter thanked everyone involved in his career to date and his fellow finalists, remarking that they should take pride in making up the final five best

apprentices in the country. He also took time to thank his parents and promised them he would move out of home soon.

He explains his journey in print so far: “It’s been a few years of hard work and now it’s paid off. For me printing is not a job. It’s my career – and to win this award is my dream becoming a reality.

“I took a different road from my brothers who all went to university. I left school knowing uni wasn’t for me. I came straight to Sealed Air and started out cleaning and prepping. It was a tough job at the start because you’re working with ink and solvents but I’ve come out the other side with practical skills, and I think I have a good all-round knowledge after being exposed to all aspects of the printing business. You can achieve great results through apprenticeships.”

From Rototuna, Hamilton, he plans to extend his learning and enrol in a printing diploma course. He adds, “I want to get involved in the new technology. And I love the learning process; though I was well supported by Competenz during the apprenticeship. They helped out with well organised resources and were available if I had questions.”

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