Trade printer LEP Colour Printers’ apprentice Kirstin Robinson has been nominated for the PIAA Queensland Early Stage Apprenticeship Award. Robinson commenced her print finishing apprenticeship at LEP 14 months ago, and has almost completed her Stage two training. She and 13 other apprentices were nominated for the award from about 300 apprentices in the state.
Robinson was one of the first apprentices in Future Print’s competency based pilot project, which allows the business and the apprentice to have a conversation to confirm progression from one stage to the next. Kirstin Robinson says, “Ever since I started I have loved it — the variety of jobs and daily activities here keep me busy. I especially like the team here at LEP. I couldn’t wish for a better team. And to get a nomination like this is amazing.” Rob Walters, general manager at LEP Colour Printers, says it is no surprise Kirstin has been nominated, with her strong work ethic and dedication to her studies. “Kirstin has become a vital part of our team,” Walters says. “She has learnt skills very quickly, and is always keen to contribute. She is also being exposed to lean manufacturing principles, for which we are striving to be a world leader in print. This award nomination is great news for her and for us at LEP.” He says Future Print is an important element in the industry attracting good apprentices to print. Walters says, “It secures tradespeople for us, and the industry, for the future. There was a real slump in apprentice numbers in the industry in recent years, and it was difficult to find skilled workers. For us it is about growing our own tradespeople, and it’s been very successful. “LEP as a company believes in the industry, and we want to do our bit to keep people trained in its skills. It works for us and the industry as a whole.” John Scott, advisor to the Queensland precinct at Future Print, says Kirstin’s award nomination recognises her dedication and efforts. “Kirstin is proof that if you are exceptionally good you can move fast. She really is a nice young person. She is so keen and enthusiastic with her work. Her ability as a first stage apprentice is as good as I have seen. It is great to watch her at work — she probably does better than a lot of experienced tradespeople I have seen, including myself,” he says.
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