Canvas is accessible only within New Zealand and Australia.
Canvas is accessible only within New Zealand and Australia.
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They’ve been with the company for over thirty years and, no matter how busy they are, always make time to share their knowledge with apprentices. Their workmanship and quality standards are exceptional, setting the bar high for others to follow.
They guide and encourage apprentices to meet those same high standards — and they do. As an assessor, they communicate clearly, give honest feedback, and are always dependable.
It’s no exaggeration to say that the strong, skilled team we have today exists thanks to their mentoring, passion, and commitment. A true unsung hero.
(Photo: sharing a welding moment with their grandchild — passing on the craft to the next generation.)
I’m proud to nominate this individual for the Most Valuable Contributor (MVC) Award in recognition of their outstanding leadership and impact on workforce development.
They have been the driving force behind one of New Zealand’s most inclusive apprenticeship programmes. At a time when the industry faces major skills shortages, they have responded with vision, compassion, and technical excellence.
Under their guidance, a dedicated training hub was established to support apprentices with hands-on learning, real-world projects, and access to industry-standard tools. Their commitment to meaningful, safe, and high-quality training ensures every apprentice is ready to contribute from day one.
What sets them apart is their holistic approach to development:
Their leadership has had a clear impact — apprentices are thriving, morale is high, and the company’s reputation as a training-focused employer continues to grow.
They’re not just building skilled workers — they’re shaping confident, capable people who take pride in their craft and contribution.
Always happy to help me understand assessments, and is always looking out for specific work that will help me finish an assessment
When I first joined the company, I’d just moved cities to gain more experience on large commercial projects. I was behind on paperwork and struggling with motivation.
Their apprentice manager completely turned things around for me. They gave me purpose, pushed me to lift my standards, and helped me take pride in my work. They do the same for others — encouraging apprentices to see their own potential and aim higher, both on and off the job.
They’re also the kind of person who’s there when life gets tough, always checking in and doing what they can to support the team’s well-being.
They have a real passion for helping apprentices with their training — both on the job and with their online work. Their mix of encouragement and, when needed, a firm “let’s get moving” approach helps keep everyone on track.
Whenever someone’s stuck on a job or unsure about something, they’re right there with solid advice and a calm, steady hand. They never make anyone feel small for not knowing something. Instead, they take the time to explain, back you up, and make sure you feel confident before moving on.
Having them around makes a huge difference. They’re not just a coworker, they’re someone you can rely on, whether it’s a late-night call, a tricky problem, or just needing someone to have your back.
They don’t just do the job, they make the job better for everyone.
They’re a highly skilled tradesperson who takes real pride in teaching others. They don’t just show how to put things together — they explain how and why things work. They always stand up for their team and make sure everyone is treated fairly.
They used to be a professional driver and even taught me how to drive a manual — so now I joke that I was trained by a pro. Like any apprentice, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, some big ones too. But no matter how bad it is, they never yell. You can tell when they’re upset, but instead of losing their cool, they help me understand what went wrong and how to fix it next time.
They’re not only a great foreman but also a genuinely good person. They recently had a baby and love talking about him. I had a baby around the same time, and they’ve been full of good advice and support — even offering help at home when I needed it.
They’ve made me a better apprentice and, I think, a better parent too. They’re always up for a chat, whether it’s about work or life. When I saw the chance to nominate someone for the Most Valuable Coach award, there was no question who deserved it most.
They’ve supported me through every stage of my apprenticeship — always there during tough times, whether personal or work-related.
One story that stands out: early on, we had a pallet of heavy steel plates, easily a tonne. I was trying to drag it by hand when they spotted me and joked, “If you can move it even a little, I’ll give you fifty bucks.” Of course, I tried — straining and getting nowhere. It didn’t budge an inch, but we all had a good laugh.
