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Apprentice printer proves he’s the right type

May 26, 2005

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A multi-award winning apprentice printer from The University of New England has again been recognised for his professionalism after making the finals in a statewide lithographic competition.
Mr Todd Naylor, 28, was one of seven finalists in a competition organised by the Lithographic Institute of Australia (LIA) and Heidelberg Australia (HA).
He flew to Sydney for the awards night, held on May 3 at the Sydney Rowing Club in Abbotsford.
There, he was presented with a certificate, along with the six other finalists, from Mr Richard Timson, Northern Region Manager for Heidelberg Australia.
“I was delighted to receive this recognition for all my hard work,” Mr Naylor said.
“I have been greatly helped by my colleagues at the Printery, who have been very supportive of me.”
Mr Mike Patricks, Officer in Charge at UNE’s Printery, said Mr Naylor was a “bright and up-and-coming” apprentice.
“He is living proof that while there may be a skill shortage in NSW, the University is doing its best to train apprentices in NSW,” he said.

To gain his latest achievement, Mr Naylor was initially selected from TAFE NSW, where he is completing his apprenticeship in printing and machining, as being one of its best apprentices.
Mr Naylor then attended a day’s interview in front of a panel of specialists from the LIA. He was quizzed about his career path, what his expectations were in printing and where he saw the industry in 10 years’ time.
“I think the industry will become more digital and less ‘hands-on’,” Mr Naylor said.
He was subsequently informed he had been made a finalist in the competition.
“On the night there was a three-course meal and a keynote speaker Mr Phillip Lawrence, from paper giant Store Enso, talked about global environmental issues,” Mr Naylor said.
About 120 people attended the event. Mr Ben Hickey, a printing machinist from Sony Music Entertainment, took out the highest accolade for the night.
Mr Naylor has worked in the Printery at UNE for the past eight years. He initially worked as a table-hand driver, delivering and finishing printed material, biding his time until an apprenticeship became available.
That happened three-and-a-half years ago and Mr Naylor will finish his apprenticeship in October.
As well as being a finalist in the LIA/HA awards, Mr Naylor also made it as a finalist in the Department of Education and Training New Apprenticeship Centre (DETNAC), was awarded first place in Stage Two of Printing Machining and last year won the Heidelberg Prize.
“I’d like to stay on as a tradesman, working for UNE, when I complete my apprenticeship,” Mr Naylor said.


Posted by Lydia Roberts at May 26, 2005 12:09 PM