22 May 2007
The inaugural Waipa Trades Graduation ceremony was held on Monday, 21 May to recognise and celebrate the achievements of graduates in the Waipa District in gaining a national qualification with an Industry Training Organisation (ITO).
The ceremony for ITO graduates was held in association with Waipa District Council and the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ). The MTFJ is working to ensure that all young people under 25 are in education, training or work. This taskforce also helps to provide local solutions to local problems, develops partnerships with government agencies at local levels, and offers an environment and clear message to young people of their value and worth, and that the community is proud of their achievement.
Guest speakers were Mayor Dale Williams of Otorohanga District and a member of the MTFJ core group, and local businessman Mike Livingstone of Livingstone Builders.
9 of 27 graduates attended the ceremony, held in Council Chambers, Te Awamutu, which is one of 27 graduations nationwide and they all achieved National Certificates.
Back row: Harley Ritai (Flooring - Soft Flooring Installation L4, Substrate Preparation L4), Daniel Kraayvanger (Carpentry L4), Adam Bain (Carpentry L4), Steve Tamaki (Drainlaying), Steven Bell (Automotive Engineering L4).
Front row: Stephen Vallance (Floor and Wall Tiling L4), Raychel Overton (Fitness - Foundation Skills L2), Lynette Alves (Fitness - Personal Training L4), Erin Lyford (Diversion Therapy L4).