Clutha district employers are being urged to nominate their young apprentices for the province's top training accolade.
Up to eight of the region's outstanding apprentices and trainees will take to the stage at the Dunedin Town Hall as finalists in the 2008 Coastal Otago Trades Graduation Apprentice-Trainee of the Year award.
Clutha Mayor Juno Hayes said the concept of publicly recognising the achievements of those working towards industry-based qualifications had been embraced by local employers, and support had grown with every graduation since it started five years ago.
"There are many stories of success which come from apprenticeship and trainee opportunities offered by our local employers, and this award is a great way to formally recognise this," Mr Hayes said.
"It is vital we have quality tradespeople contributing to our communities, and those apprenticeship and trainee opportunities offered by local employers play a huge part in helping to achieve this."
The graduation is open to all industry apprentices and trainees in the Clutha, Dunedin or Waitaki districts who qualified with their National Certificate (level 3 or above) between September 1, 2007 and August 31, 2008.
Industry training covers traditional trades such as carpentry, plumbing and automotive engineering and newer areas like hospitality and tourism, primary industries, manufacturing, retail, and the government and community sectors.
Nominations close on August 29, and the awards will be held on November 7.
