Donaldson beat five other apprentices from sectors including binding and finishing, digital, paperboard packaging, reel-fed and sheet-fed to take the award.

Accepting his award, Donaldson described experiencing problems at school, including a struggle with dyslexia, which he overcame with the help of his martial arts instructor and now boss, Steve Wallace.

“Steve saw how I applied myself to that and how I was dedicated,” Donaldson said. “Then he offered me a job with his company and expected me to show the same dedication to that. I fell in love with the job and have never looked back.”

“This shows what a person can achieve. You have to believe in yourself. With that belief, and the support of others, you can reach the top.”

“The amazing support and encouragement from the team that I work with has really helped me during my training and to win this award.”

The award caps a successful year for Donaldson in which he was also chosen as PrintNZ Training screen printing apprentice of the year.

“Sam’s attitude is a credit to him as he is constantly looking for ways to inspire and motivate his team”, said Wallace.

“Sam has been promoted to production manager because of the great production times that he achieves and keeps beating. His planning is critical to our company’s success and he does incredibly in this area, not only meeting his own demands but setting goals and incentives for the other staff to aim towards and achieve.

“I couldn’t ask for a better employee.”

PrintNZ chief executive Joan Grace said that the finalists had shown a huge commitment not only towards their companies and their workmates, but to the learning process as well.

“PrintNZ is committed to a process of achievement for the future, and these apprentices represent the future of the industry,” she said.

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