Teen is apprentice of year

Shaun Dean from Kamo with Richard Housham, area manager motor assessing for State, at the award ceremony. Photo / Supplied

An 18-year-old with an eye for a well-finished job has won the State Apprentice of the Year for Automotive Refinishing in the North Island.

Shaun Dean is two years into a three-and-a-half year apprenticeship with NZ Motor Industry Training Organisation.

He is employed by Rowsell Panelbeaters in Kamo where he was offered work after a stint with the firm through the Gateway programme at Kamo High School.

He loves his work, and takes pride in the job he does.

"Having a finished product, and the ability to see your finishing is good," is the best part of the job, he said.

Shaun applied for an apprenticeship sponsorship with State Insurance, and was accepted for the programme.

Through the scheme he gets a part of his fees paid as well as tools and a mentor.

He said he has always set high goals for himself, and has an inspiring supervisor to help keep him motivated.

"He has a lot of experience. I have big shoes to fill," he said.

Once he has completed his apprenticeship, Shaun intends on continuing his studies with a management course.

Shaun has a passion for cars in his spare time.

"When I'm not working, I am still working on cars, my own or my mates'," he said.

His next goal is to win a national title for apprentice of the year at the end of the year.