For two MITO apprentices, the word 'success' has just taken on a whole new meaning, because they've won a nationwide competition! Aurora Jordan and Jacob Dirkze have proved their amazing technical and creative talents in the OFPANZ (Outdoor Fabric Products Association of New Zealand) 2010 Apprentice Awards.   Competing against their peers in New Zealand's canvas fabrication industry, Aurora and Jacob came tops in two categories: Aurora who works for Baytex Manufacturing Company Ltd in Mount Maunganui won the Tier 1 apprentice award, which is open to apprentices who have been enrolled with MITO for less than 15 months. Jacob who works for Shade Plus in Christchurch won the Tier 2 award, which is for apprentices who have been enrolled with MITO for more than 15 months. Their wins were announced at the 2010 OFPANZ Conference and Trade Expo, which was held in Auckland in June. MITO Apprenticeships The NZ Motor Industry Training Organisation Inc (MITO) provides education and training initiatives to assist enterprises enhance their productivity, profitability and performance. MITO is responsible for developing national qualifications and ensuring they are quality assured nationally. MITO supports employees achieve their study goals through the provision of study guides and assessment materials, training courses and personalised support from a dedicated Industry Training Advisor. MITO's training programmes are designed for specialist industry requirements (for example National Certificates in Canvas Fabrication and Sailmaking), as well as business, management and computing skills. For further information, or to arrange for a MITO representative to visit your business, contact MITO on +64 4 494 0005. www.mito.org.nz.

Tier ll Winner and 2010 Apprentice of the Year! Jacob Dirkze, Shade Plus Ltd, Christchurch, NZ Recognising the extra experience gained by Tier II entrants, this part of the competition allowed a more lateral approach. Jacob chose to create a backpack to meet some very specific requirements of his sister! The result of about 80 hours' work, the backpack is designed to be worn while mountain-biking at night. It has room for a 12-volt battery (to power a helmet light) and a hydration system, as well as space for tools, a tyre pump, snacks, clothing and keys. It's a highly detailed piece of work that earned Jacob the title of Apprentice of the Year, as well as $1,000, a trophy and a certificate. "I'm pretty stoked," he says modestly. "I didn't expect to win." Shade Plus' owner, Barry Wybrow says the rest of the team knew the 22 year old had the skills, talent and knowledge to win. "This is a special milestone for Jacob," he says. "He's proved to himself that he has the ability, tenacity and focus to achieve what he wants to do. It's a credit to his resilience and determination, and we're really proud of him." Like Aurora, Jacob acknowledges the support he's received from people at work – including Barry (who helped Jacob with all the materials needed for his entry) and his supervisor/trainer Mark O'Connor. His success has brought him a renewed sense of self-confidence – and he plans to build on it for a long-term career in the industry. Aurora Jordan - Tier 1 Winner Aurora was determined to win the Tier I award this year, having missed out on achieving her goal last year.  "She had the determination and focus to do it," says Baytex Director Wendy Tankard. "She knew what she wanted to achieve, figured out how she was going to do it and worked hard in her own time to create a result she was happy with. We're thrilled with her success." Twenty-one year old Aurora won the award by creating a duffle bag with a difference. As well as meeting the entry criteria (all entrants had to use the same plan and meet specific requirements), she used colour and extra touches like detachable interior drawstring bags to set her design apart. She says she was strongly motivated to win.  "My supervisor, Katie Wiseman, had won the award before, so she inspired me to want to win it," she says. "I really enjoyed the challenge, and I had some great support from everyone here including the Production Manager Mike Hope who stayed with me after work when I was doing some overtime." Aurora's delighted with her win – "It's brilliant," she says. "I'll be back next year for the Tier 2 awards!".   "I'm pretty stoked. I didn't expect to win" said Jacob modestly.