Training
NZ flooring apprentices honoured by Gloria McGuire, Communications Co-ordinator, FloorNZ
Above – from back left: Tim Papps (Autex), George Villars (Handleys), Robert Brouwer (Dunlop Flooring), Greg Durkin (CE FloorNZ), Glenn Richardson (FloorNZ Board), Mark Faulkner (Jacobsens), Craig Kennelly (Gilt Edge) Walter Koch (U-Floor Systems) Front: Micheal Heath (Norman Ellison Carpets), Roman Williams, Nicholass Webby, Danielle White, Matthew Anderson, Fraser Imrie and Elton Carter (Karndean)
Two stores connected to the Flooring Xtra group in the Manawatu, Feilding Flooring Xtra and Midway Flooring Xtra, had reason to celebrate at the FloorNZ Apprentice of the Year awards. Danielle White won the Flooring Planning and Design Trainee of the Year for 2012 and Matthew Anderson achieved the top Stage Three Apprentice of the Year award for 2012. Both awards represent not only the excellent results Danielle and Matthew achieved, but also highlight the commitment that both these Flooring Xtra stores have made towards ensuring their staff are involved in formal training within the flooring industry through FloorNZ. From back left, Karen Anderson (Midway Flooring Xtra), Adam Linn (Midway Flooring Xtra) and Andrew White (Feilding Flooring Xtra) Front: Tom Anderson (Midway Flooring Xtra), Matthew Anderson (Midway Flooring Xtra), Danielle White (Feilding Flooring Xtra) and Julie White (Feilding Flooring Xtra).
The FloorNZ Annual Apprentice Awards celebration was an exciting event with over 250 industry colleagues enjoying the evening in like-minded company. Held at the Riccarton Raceway in Christchurch, this year’s MC and guest speaker was Grant Robertson, Deputy Leader of the NZ Labour Party and spokesperson for Employment, Skills and Training. Mr Robertson took great pleasure in presenting the trophies to the award winners and then spoke about celebrating the success of young people in trades and the need for industry and government to really get behind initiatives like the Apprentice Awards, which highlight excellence.
18 Flooring June/July 2013