BY MARLENE DITCHFIELD
MORE than 40 young apprentices from around Wairarapa will be honoured at a graduation ceremony in Masterton next Tuesday.
Employers, families and civic leaders will gather to applaud the efforts of the 43 apprentices and raise a glass or two in recognition of their hard work.
The event has been arranged by the Wairarapa Workforce Development Trust and will see certificates being handed out in areas as diverse as glazing, concrete production and hairdressing.
Traditional trades such as motor engineering, baking and building also remain popular, says Workforce Development co-ordinator, John Bush.
"The graduation of these young men and women to trades people is extremely significant to Wairarapa as a small rural region which struggles to attract skilled people to live and work here," he said.
"That our local industries can encourage, train and support young people in their chosen careers is a credit to the foresight of Wairarapa employers.
"We hope to see more employers step forward to offer apprenticeships to Wairarapa's young people, we need these skilled and experienced people to drive our economy forward."
During this year he has worked with local employers, councils and other relevant groups to ensure the apprenticeship openings will be available for the second year running. He hails the support of Masterton and Masterton South Rotary Clubs, the hosts of this year's graduation ceremony.
There are 220 apprentices employed in a variety of trades across the region. Apprenticeships vary in length and employers are supported by an Industry Training Organisation, with the Wairarapa Workforce Development Trust able to help those businesses wishing to become involved with apprenticeship training.
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