LEP apprentice Kirstin Robinson is the latest Future Print trainee to pass the first stage of the competency-based program, despite only starting in April.

The print finishing apprentice at the trade only printer  is also the first to progress to stage two under the new assessment procedure in which the business assesses the trainee against a benchmark after they have passed the required training modules.

Future Print advisor John Scott says previously this was done informally but now businesses involved in the program set up a series of formalised benchmarks and discuss with their apprentice about whether they have reached them before they can move on.

“Kirstin is the first apprentice to trial the competency form which allows the business and the apprentice to have a conversation and confirm progression, which is a fundamental tenet of the Future Print project itself,” he says.

Scott says all apprentices will go through this procedure in the future, and Future Print will work with printers to help them establish benchmarks.

For LEP’s benchmarks, Robinson was assessed on her practical skills, including product handling at machines, setting up machines and operating them, and monitoring them for peak performance and miscues.

It also included her understanding of workplace health and safety, which requires a firm commitment to safe work practices, a keen eye for effective environmental procedures in the workplace, and her ability to work as a productive team member in the business.

This facet of business operations assessed Robinson on her understanding of the basic operation of the business, and the day-to-day procedures that ensure the business is an efficient, streamlined workplace.

LEP chief executive John Bromfield says Robinson has quickly become a key member of the team and is well liked by all her colleagues on the floor.

“Kirstin has grasped this opportunity to learn important new skills during her apprenticeship, and we’re very pleased that she’s doing so well,” he says.

“We’re looking forward to helping her develop even more skills over the next year — we’re right behind her all the way in her studies.”

Robinson says: “I’m very excited that I’ve achieved this level so quickly, and am a productive member of the LEP team. I really enjoy working here with my colleagues, and I’m looking forward to starting the next part of my apprenticeship.”

Scott says Robinson is one of the best apprentices he has seen.

“Kirstin is very impressive. She interviewed exceptionally well when she applied. She’s very mature in her attitude, and she’s very committed to her apprenticeship and what the business has offered her in the apprenticeship,” he says.

“I have nothing but praise for what she’s done through her TAFE work and all her efforts at LEP.”

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