Stratford's skill set improves

Stratford District Mayor Neil Volzke last week hosted an Industry Training Organisation trades graduation at the council chambers.

Certificates were presented to 15 people who had all gained their qualifications while working in local businesses, from health care to carpentry, farming to youth work.

Neil said the graduation evening was part of a nationwide initiative through the Mayors Taskforce For Jobs, "to recognise those who have qualified in their chosen field, as well as acknowledging the employers who support them".

While the ceremony was to recognise those who have qualified and were new to industry, it was also great to see so many people adding to their skill set. The mayor also acknowledged the employers who mentored the trainees.

It takes patience mentoring apprentices who are finding their feet, but the whole community benefits from you supporting local people who are willing to learn.

Mayor Neil Volzke

One such employer, Mike Childs from New Style Homes by Mike Childs Builders, believed it is important that trades businesses in the district take on apprentices "because if you support the local community, they will support you". He added that by taking on apprentices you could be sure that you were teaching them the standard of workmanship that you yourself worked to.

Geoff Grierson agreed. "Taking on apprentices is the only way to ensure that they will be work ready when they graduate." Geoff said apprentices can also bring a new perspective into the workshop.

Graduates: Andrea Walker: National Certificate in Health Disability and Aged Support Level 3 and National Certificate in Community Support Services Level 3. Maree Perrett: National Certificate in Health Disability and Aged Support Level 3 and National Certificate in Community Support Services Level 3. Leonie Neho: National Certificate in Health Disability and Aged Support Level 3 and National Certificate in Community Support Services Level 3. Margaret Glover: National Certificate in Health Disability and Aged Support Level 3 and National Certificate in Community Support Services Level 3. Coral Oppatt: National Certificate in Health Disability and Aged Support Level 3 and National Certificate in Community Support Services Level 3. Esther Malone: National Certificate in Health Disability and Aged Support Level 3. Sarah Hamilton: National Certificate in Youth Work Level 3.

Cameron Grierson: National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering Level 4. Ross Benge: National Certificate in Furniture Level 4. Jamie Craig: National Certificate in Dairy Farming Level 3. Albert Eade: National Certificate in Agriculture Dairy Farming Level 4. Ryan Fernandez: National Certificate in Agriculture Dairy Farming Level 4. Callum Frew: National Certificate in Agriculture Animal Feeding and Pastures Level 4. Daniel Simons: National Certificate in Agriculture Animal Feeding and Pastures Level 4. Ricky Pepper: National Certificate in Carpentry Level 4. Jared Bevins: National Certificate in Carpentry Level 4.