Latest news with #ApprenticeoftheYear
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Plastics Industry Rising Stars Honoured At Plastics NZ Awards
Press Release – Plastics New Zealand He's not a doctor, a nurse, or even a police officer but Rajeneel Kumar helps to save lives. Named 2025 Competenz Plastics Apprentice of the Year at the annual Plastics NZ Awards on Thursday night, the Manurewa local produces critical components for lifesaving technologies – from ventilators for premature babies to sleep apnoea devices and hospital masks. 'It's pretty cool how the components we make are used to save lives – it makes the job rewarding,' says Rajeneel, who has spent over a decade at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare and last year completed his New Zealand Certificate in Plastics Processing (Level 4) with strands Injection Moulding through work based training organisation, Competenz. 'I'd worked for Fisher & Paykel Healthcare for many years before starting my apprenticeship and I thought I knew everything, but my apprenticeship challenged me to dig so much deeper. I learned so much about plastics technology.' The accolade is a 'huge thrill' for the 32 year old, who has worked tirelessly to achieve his goal. 'It hasn't been easy, especially working in the healthcare industry during Covid when we were running 24/7. I've also got two young kids, and my wife works in the afternoons so juggling the book work with family life was a big challenge. Winning Apprentice of the Year means so much to me. In 2023 I was named runner-up for Competenz Plastics Trainee of the Year, so to actually win this year is a huge thrill. It shows that all the research, all the work and all the support I was given was worth it.' Rajeneel saw gaining his apprenticeship 'as an opportunity to improve myself,' and it's a move that has certainly paid off. Now he has been promoted to Plastics Team Leader, and soon he'll be mentoring some of the young apprentices following in his footsteps. Competenz Training Advisor Alan Smith couldn't be prouder. 'Rajeneel stands out from the rest,' says Alan. 'He performs well, shows willingness to learn and is always eager to learn new technologies. He has an ambitious mindset and is keen to explore further avenues to grow in his career.' Rajeneel's future at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare is bright. Operations Engineering Manager Shijoy Sam says he is a huge asset for the business. 'Rajeneel is ambitious, keen to take on new challenges and always goes above and beyond expectations. He leads the team by example, is diligent and gives 100 percent to everything he commits to,' says Shijoy. 'Continuous improvement is part of the culture at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, and Rajeneel always seeks ways to improve himself and his team.' The annual Plastics NZ Awards salutes those in the industry who are making their mark and Rajeneel is a stellar example. So too is Henderson resident Faleono (Junior) Esekia who stepped up to the podium alongside Rajeneel to take out Competenz Trainee of the Year, the top award for people training in New Zealand Certificate Level 3 qualifications. A plastics technician at product development and manufacturing company Adept Ltd, Junior completed his Level 3 injection moulding qualification last September and is now on the fast track to gaining his apprenticeship. 'I'm shocked and speechless to be named Trainee of the Year,' says Junior (33). 'Having spent over ten years in the plastics industry, receiving this accolade means so much to me, and is the first step towards achieving my goal of gaining my apprenticeship and one day becoming the 'Dr. Murphy' of plastics and injection moulding!' The father of four was inspired to forge a career in plastics after studying science at the University of Auckland. 'Seeing senior plastics technicians being able to mould and fix any issues with injection moulding made me want to be at that level of skill and knowledge. What I love most is that feeling I get when I solve an injection moulding issue and I'm able to get a product to run perfectly – that and getting to try out the new automation being introduced with new products.' Junior's Competenz Training Advisor Jonathan Newsome describes the plastics technician as 'deserving, super helpful, polite and self-driven.' 'Junior completed all his assessments to a high standard, met all his deadlines and drove his qualification himself. The fact that he has now advanced into Level 4 demonstrates the drive he has to better himself,' says Jonathan. Employer Patrick McElhannan has been equally impressed and can't wait to see Junior continue to flourish in the organisation and the industry. 'Junior is the quiet achiever, he consistently demonstrates his ability as a plastics technician. He never seeks recognition but his work ethic and the high standard of work he produces is testament to the calibre of technician he has become. Because of this we as a business can see just how much value he adds daily within the workspace,' says Patrick. 'Junior is now recognised as an equal amongst his peers, and sometimes other more seasoned veterans within the plastics world seek advice from him. His ability to troubleshoot and diagnose root causes in plastics faults, his wide processing knowledge of a large catalogue of polymers, along with his extensive knowledge of programming and processing of automation cells including six axis robots, demonstrates just how far he has come through this apprenticeship.' Patrick says he couldn't think of a more deserving candidate for Competenz Trainee of the Year, adding, 'Junior's attitude towards working in a team, along with his displayed aptitude amongst his peers, really sets the tone for what an incredible individual he is. Any moulding shop in New Zealand would be better off for having him around.'
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Plastics Industry Rising Stars Honoured At Plastics NZ Awards
He's not a doctor, a nurse, or even a police officer but Rajeneel Kumar helps to save lives. Named 2025 Competenz Plastics Apprentice of the Year at the annual Plastics NZ Awards on Thursday night, the Manurewa local produces critical components for lifesaving technologies - from ventilators for premature babies to sleep apnoea devices and hospital masks. 'It's pretty cool how the components we make are used to save lives – it makes the job rewarding,' says Rajeneel, who has spent over a decade at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare and last year completed his New Zealand Certificate in Plastics Processing (Level 4) with strands Injection Moulding through work based training organisation, Competenz. 'I'd worked for Fisher & Paykel Healthcare for many years before starting my apprenticeship and I thought I knew everything, but my apprenticeship challenged me to dig so much deeper. I learned so much about plastics technology.' The accolade is a 'huge thrill' for the 32 year old, who has worked tirelessly to achieve his goal. 'It hasn't been easy, especially working in the healthcare industry during Covid when we were running 24/7. I've also got two young kids, and my wife works in the afternoons so juggling the book work with family life was a big challenge. Winning Apprentice of the Year means so much to me. In 2023 I was named runner-up for Competenz Plastics Trainee of the Year, so to actually win this year is a huge thrill. It shows that all the research, all the work and all the support I was given was worth it.' Rajeneel saw gaining his apprenticeship 'as an opportunity to improve myself,' and it's a move that has certainly paid off. Now he has been promoted to Plastics Team Leader, and soon he'll be mentoring some of the young apprentices following in his footsteps. Competenz Training Advisor Alan Smith couldn't be prouder. 'Rajeneel stands out from the rest,' says Alan. 'He performs well, shows willingness to learn and is always eager to learn new technologies. He has an ambitious mindset and is keen to explore further avenues to grow in his career.' Rajeneel's future at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare is bright. Operations Engineering Manager Shijoy Sam says he is a huge asset for the business. 'Rajeneel is ambitious, keen to take on new challenges and always goes above and beyond expectations. He leads the team by example, is diligent and gives 100 percent to everything he commits to,' says Shijoy. 'Continuous improvement is part of the culture at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, and Rajeneel always seeks ways to improve himself and his team.' The annual Plastics NZ Awards salutes those in the industry who are making their mark and Rajeneel is a stellar example. So too is Henderson resident Faleono (Junior) Esekia who stepped up to the podium alongside Rajeneel to take out Competenz Trainee of the Year, the top award for people training in New Zealand Certificate Level 3 qualifications. A plastics technician at product development and manufacturing company Adept Ltd, Junior completed his Level 3 injection moulding qualification last September and is now on the fast track to gaining his apprenticeship. 'I'm shocked and speechless to be named Trainee of the Year,' says Junior (33). 'Having spent over ten years in the plastics industry, receiving this accolade means so much to me, and is the first step towards achieving my goal of gaining my apprenticeship and one day becoming the 'Dr. Murphy' of plastics and injection moulding!' The father of four was inspired to forge a career in plastics after studying science at the University of Auckland. 'Seeing senior plastics technicians being able to mould and fix any issues with injection moulding made me want to be at that level of skill and knowledge. What I love most is that feeling I get when I solve an injection moulding issue and I'm able to get a product to run perfectly – that and getting to try out the new automation being introduced with new products.' Junior's Competenz Training Advisor Jonathan Newsome describes the plastics technician as 'deserving, super helpful, polite and self-driven.' 'Junior completed all his assessments to a high standard, met all his deadlines and drove his qualification himself. The fact that he has now advanced into Level 4 demonstrates the drive he has to better himself,' says Jonathan. Employer Patrick McElhannan has been equally impressed and can't wait to see Junior continue to flourish in the organisation and the industry. 'Junior is the quiet achiever, he consistently demonstrates his ability as a plastics technician. He never seeks recognition but his work ethic and the high standard of work he produces is testament to the calibre of technician he has become. Because of this we as a business can see just how much value he adds daily within the workspace,' says Patrick. 'Junior is now recognised as an equal amongst his peers, and sometimes other more seasoned veterans within the plastics world seek advice from him. His ability to troubleshoot and diagnose root causes in plastics faults, his wide processing knowledge of a large catalogue of polymers, along with his extensive knowledge of programming and processing of automation cells including six axis robots, demonstrates just how far he has come through this apprenticeship.' Patrick says he couldn't think of a more deserving candidate for Competenz Trainee of the Year, adding, 'Junior's attitude towards working in a team, along with his displayed aptitude amongst his peers, really sets the tone for what an incredible individual he is. Any moulding shop in New Zealand would be better off for having him around.'
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Watford organisations shortlisted for Herts 'business Oscars'
Businesses and organisations from the Watford area are among the finalists for the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce '2025 business Oscars'. The county's very own business Oscars have revealed the finalists for the 2025 Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards, underscoring the talent, innovation, and community commitment across the region's enterprise sector. Among the finalists are Watford Community Housing, One YMCA representing the wider south west of Hertfordshire area, and Small Acts of Kindness, who are all in the running to scoop an award at the exciting night in June. Donna Schultz, CEO of the Chamber, said: "Congratulations to all the incredible finalists – the standard of entries this year has been truly exceptional. "Our judges had a very tough job narrowing it down, and we thank everyone who took the time to enter. "These awards highlight the inspiring work happening across Hertfordshire, and we can't wait to celebrate together at the gala dinner." According to the Chamber, these organisations have shown exceptional vision, initiative, and perseverance and are now contending for the coveted prize. Watford Community Housing has been shortlisted for the Apprentice of the Year award, while One YMCA is in the running for the Competition for the Excellence in People Development Award and the Property and Construction Project of the Year award. Small Acts of Kindness has been nominated for the title of Community Champion. This year's categories showcase brilliance in international trade, people development, innovation, sustainability, and more. The awarded businesses represent the county's spectrum of talent, encompassing start-ups, family enterprises, and established industry trailblazers. The awardees are set to be revealed at a grand masquerade-themed gala on Thursday, June 26, at Tewinbury Farm Hotel, Welwyn. The Chamber encourages all interested individuals to reserve their seats for the highly anticipated event by visiting the Chamber website, emailing awards@ or calling on 01707 502180.
Business Wire
12-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
MITER Brands Celebrates Team Member Awarded Florida Apprentice of the Year
NORTH VENICE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MITER Brands, a residential window and door manufacturer, recently celebrated team member Andrew Clark, who was bestowed the 2024 Florida Manufacturer Apprentice of the Year award, with an event held at the company's PGT Windows and Doors location in North Venice, Fla. The celebration was in conjunction with National Apprenticeship Day on April 30. MITER Brands recently celebrated team member Andrew Clark, who was bestowed the 2024 Florida Manufacturer Apprentice of the Year award, with an event held at the company's PGT Windows and Doors location in North Venice, Florida. The honor was awarded by FloridaMakes, a statewide, industry-led public-private partnership with the sole mission of strengthening and advancing Florida's economy by improving the productivity and technological performance of its manufacturing sector. The award is designed to recognize those who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their professional development and who have gone above and beyond their normal duties and taken on additional responsibilities, including encouraging others to consider manufacturing as a career. 'This recognition isn't just about technical skills, it's about work ethic, initiative, and impact,' said Marcelo Dossantos, Director of Workforce Development for FloridaMakes. 'At a time when manufacturers across the country are facing workforce shortages and a growing skills gap, upskilling workers through apprenticeship programs is not only a talent development strategy, but also a key retention strategy.' On Thursday, May 1, MITER Brands held a celebratory event and luncheon to recognize and congratulate Clark. More than 25 individuals were in attendance, including representatives from FloridaMakes, Sarasota-Manatee Manufacturers Association (SAMA), and CareerSource Suncoast. Also present at the event were Luis Laracuente, Senator Rick Scott's District Director for the Tampa Bay Region, Steven Seville, Apprenticeship and Training Representative for the Department of Education, and Matt DeSoto, CEO of MITER Brands. 'At MITER Brands, we're building the next generation of master tradespeople,' said Matt Desoto, CEO of MITER Brands. 'We have young, talented individuals who take pride in their work, want to grow, and have a desire to use their skills to advance the business. Andrew and apprentices like him are exactly the kind of talent we're proud to have and continue to look for to help us carry American manufacturing forward.' With Clark's recent accolade, this marks the third consecutive year that a member of MITER's apprenticeship program was acknowledged by FloridaMakes. In 2023, MITER Brands team member William Merriman won the Apprentice of the Year award, and in 2022, MITER Brands team member Brentyn Szalbirak was awarded Apprentice of the Year. At the event, Merriman and Szalbirak were also recognized for their achievements and graduation from their respective apprenticeships. Both are now certified Journeymen for PGT's Tool and Die program. 'Innovation is more than just a word in our MITER Brands name or the new products we engineer,' said Chris Davis, Vice President of Operations at MITER Brands. 'It shows up in how we grow our teams, strengthen our culture, and invest in the future. Our apprenticeship program is a perfect example of this spirit of innovation at work — thinking differently, acting boldly, and building something that lasts.' MITER Brand's apprenticeship program, sponsored by CareerSource Suncoast, launched in 2018 for the Tool and Die Department. The program aims to build interest and awareness in manufacturing career opportunities, placing MITER Brands at the forefront of innovative ways to invest in its team members. Registered apprenticeship programs must be designed, developed, and then approved by the Florida Department of Education before they can operate. Following its strong success in the Tool and Die department, MITER Brands' apprenticeship program has now been expanded to include the Maintenance Department at its PGT location. About MITER Brands Founded in 1947, MITER Brands is a residential window and door manufacturer that produces a portfolio of window and door brands for the new construction and replacement segments with an owner-operated, family-first approach. With more than 20 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States, MITER Brands is a nationwide supplier of precision-built and energy-efficient products. Through optimized manufacturing, valued relationships, and dedicated team members coast to coast, MITER Brands instills confidence and drives quality customer experiences. For more information, visit
