Graduates celebrate achievements

25 November 2014

It was celebration time for 75 industry training graduates who attended Taupo District Council's first ever ITO graduation ceremony last night.

Mayor David Trewavas welcomed the trainees, apprentices, students, employers and supporters to the inaugural graduation, which aimed at recognising the achievements and celebrating the success of trainees and apprentices who had completed their study.

The event was part of the Mayor's Taskforce for Jobs initiative, a nationwide network of mayors who work together to have young people engaged in education, training, work or other positive activity in their communities.

More than 70 local employers were recognised for supporting the trainees and teaching them skills that will equip them well for the future.

Mr Trewavas said he was pleased to offer an opportunity for the trainees to enjoy success with friends, family and employers and to take a moment to reflect on how far they had all come.

There are a significant number of people here with new qualifications, he said. It's important our youth and others in our community have direction and as part of the Mayor's Taskforce for Jobs, we are working hard to encourage them to gain qualifications and hopefully stay in town.

The Taupo District already has a variety of jobs options available and we want to expand and grow those opportunities. The ITO programme is a huge asset to this cause, and I congratulate everyone involved, he said.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549

Taupō District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz