Apprentice has potential in print
Graphic designer Alysha Johnson is one of 11 semifinalists up for the Print Industry Apprentice of the Year Award.
The 23-year-old works for Tainui Press Design and Print and finished an apprenticeship in Digital Processes for Print in October.
Alysha was halfway through a Bachelor of Media Arts degree at Wintec, when Tainui Press owner Dale Ertel offered her a job and an apprenticeship.
‘‘ I was having my assignments printed here and Dale, as he puts it, saw the potential in me,’’ she said.
‘‘At first I said no but he managed to convince me that was the best option and it totally was. I haven’t regretted it in the slightest.’’
Her apprenticeship took three years to complete and Alysha said the support she had from Dale and Sheryl Ertel was invaluable. ‘‘I couldn’t ask for better employers. ‘‘I’m very thankful to them for teaching me and for putting me through my apprenticeship.’’
It was a challenge to learn while on the job but Alysha believes it was the best way to enter the industry.
‘‘There were aspects of it that were difficult but overall it was pretty good.
‘‘A lot of it was really relevant to what I’m actually doing.’’
Alysha is now working towards a Diploma in Print Management through the same training provider, Competenz.
It was ‘‘pretty exciting’’ to be chosen as a semi-finalist for the awards, she said.
Selections were based on feedback from training advisers, assessors/markers, workshop tutors, and assignment marks.
‘‘I’m pretty stoked. Fingers crossed make the top five.’’
The five finalists will attend the New Zealand Pride in Print Awards at Sky City, Auckland, in May.
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