Charman Motor Trimmers employee sews up apprentice of the year award

Apprentice of the Year, Charman Motor Trimmers employee Tom Elers. Photo / Warren Buckland

A 21-year-old upholstering apprentice from Napier has taken out a national award.

It's the third such award for Tom Elers' Onekawa employer, and an achievement that would not have happened without a word from his mum.

The Charman Motor Trimmers employee was awarded the OFPANZ (Outdoor Fabric Products Association) Apprentice of the Year award, after entering his hand-made boat chair in the national competition.

"We had to design something that could be mass produced, so that's why the idea of the seat came out."

The boat seat, made from a plastic shell and shaped foam, was rounded off with a vinyl fabric cover that was machine stitched and heated to fit the shell. The fabric's joins were then welded to ensure a watertight finish.

The finished product won him the Tier Two award category for apprentices more than 15 months into their training, plus the overall award, $750 and a new hot air welder.

After three years at the company, Elers was still enjoying a trade he got into after a chance conversation.

"My mum works next door and she was talking to the office lady and she mentioned they were looking for a new apprentice."

Charman Motor Trimmers managing director Kimber Buglass said it was the third time an apprentice of his had picked up the award.

"In total there are 27 motor-fitting apprentices throughout the country."