Twenty Stratford District graduates of Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) were recognised at this year's Mayor's Taskforce for Jobs industry training graduation ceremony.
The ceremony, hosted by Mayor Neil Volzke, took place at the Stratford District Council chambers on Thursday, November 5.
On the evening, a large number of graduates, their families, training organisation representatives and employers were joined by Mayor Neil Volzke, deputy mayor Alan Jamieson and other councillors to celebrate their success.
Mayor Volzke said he was pleased to see "such a large crowd" present at the evening, saying it showed the value people put on the training. A message from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was played at the start of the evening, with the mayor saying the message showed the Government is serious about encouraging people to trades and training.
The mayor congratulated all graduates on their endeavours, saying they could all be very proud of the work they had put in to get their qualifications. It was the 12th year Stratford District Council had held the graduation ceremony, he said.