New Zealand–based OEM, Tidd Ross Todd (TRT), was one of six successful Waikato companies that presented on their top performing trainees and apprentices at the annual Gallagher Rotary Awards Dinner.
The event, hosted by the combined Frankton and Te Rapa Rotary Clubs, was held 20 November 2018 at Wintec Atrium events centre.
“Congratulations to Matt Youngman, TRT’s Apprentice of the Year, 2018, and our two other finalists, Chris Gillespie and for the second year, Matthew Morgan,” TRT said in a statement.
“Matt was an apprentice in TRT’s mechanical service team achieving his Automotive Heavy Engineering Road Transport apprenticeship in a record 18 months. A commitment that the whole TRT team is proud of.”
Recognising TRT’s talented team is important to the family owned company and as such the finalists were well supported by TRT’s senior team, including COO, Lawrence Baker; Manufacturing Director, Bruce Carden; Engineering Director, Robert Carden; HR Manager, Jamie Priemus and Ashton Way, HR Coordinator.
“By having an active apprenticeship programme at TRT, we recognise the responsibility as business owners and managers to not only create a skilled team for our future, but also for the future of our trades in New Zealand, especially when we are experiencing shortages in talent and qualified trades people,” said Baker.
Priemus added: “All three of our finalists do an exceptional job. The thing that has made each of them stand out is their desire to go above and beyond what is expected in their role, thriving on those challenges”.
TRT currently have 12 apprentices that qualified for these awards and so many very deserving entries. The finalists were selected based on a number of criteria including results achieved, quality of workmanship and enthusiasm and commitment to their trade. Apprenticeships at TRT range from steel fabrication and welding, engineers, heavy diesel mechanics and automotive parts.
As a large NZ engineering company, TRT have diversified its business over many years and have developed a significant apprenticeship program internally. The apprenticeship program is supported with group study sessions and mentor training, providing the right environment for apprentices and trainees to succeed.