A trades role that fits just right

ROBERT STEVEN Kelly-Ann Perry‘s job performance fits nicely with her passion.

But she didn’t know a trade was her calling when she first walked into Quality Print five years ago.

Perry was originally asking around for administration work.

‘‘That’s what I’d done previously,’’ she said.

‘‘I used to be in insurance, so it’s very, very different from commercial printing.’’

Quality Print owner Shawn Vennell said he had a trade job going. She could try it out until an admin’ position opened up.

‘‘I just didn’t leave. I fell in love with it,’’ Perry said.

Working as a binding and finishing machine operator, Perry does the final steps in the print process. She cuts anything coming off the press.

‘‘I will trim them, do any folding, saddle-stitching into booklets, glue the tops of any pads. And then pack them.

‘‘I’m a real stickler for detail and quality control – I like everything to be tidy and neat. So, this job is very rewarding for me.’’

Perry completed her threeyear apprenticeship in 2017.

The 26-year-old snapped up the title of best Binding and Finishing apprentice in New Zealand at the recent PrintNZ awards in Auckland.

Ironically, thanks to a printing error, the quality-control specialist was given two trophies.

‘‘They spelt my name wrong on the first trophy they gave me, so now I’ve got two,’’ Perry said.

The print association had added an ‘e’ to Ann on the first trophy.

Vennell said Perry was Quality Print’s second apprentice to be recognised at the awards, following sheet-fed printer Andrew Jenkins in 2016.

He encouraged anyone interested in learning more about trades to be nosy.

‘‘Look further into it and ask the company for an opportunity to work for a day or two.

Taupo¯ Pathways Careers Roadshow: Tuesday June 19, Great Lake Centre, from 9am.