Moulding wood industry leaders

A total of 45 Northland modern apprentices and trainees in the wood industries graduated at a ceremony in Whangarei on April 30.

Organised by FITEC, the event recognised the hard work, commitment and dedication to learning each individual had shown. All graduates completed their study towards national certificates while working full time.
FITEC chief executive Ian Boyd said the graduates varied in age and backgrounds.

“The value of training for graduates, their employers and their communities is immense,” he said. “By choosing to improve their vocational knowledge, they become role models for others in the industry, increase their own skills and confidence, and add significant value and improved productivity to the industry as a whole.”

Among the graduates was Edward Wilson, of Waipu, who works for Northpine. Edward graduated with two certificates in solid wood processing (level 3 and sawmilling level 4). He was also FITEC’s inaugural Emerging Leaders Scholarship recipient.

Graduate Edward Wilson.