Southland Celebrates Trade Graduate’s Success

Southland Chamber of Commerce

The success of Southland trade graduates was celebrated at the Trade Qualification 2014 Recognition Dinner at Ascot Park Hotel Complex on Thursday 13 November, with 68 graduates presented with certificates recognising their achievement.

With more than 320 people attending the dinner, the Southland Chamber of Commerce CEO Sarah Hannan was delighted at the support the Southland community gave to trade graduates. “The success of the trade graduates would not be possible without the support of the employers, industry training organisations and training providers. To see the graduates in employment within the region is a positive result of the graduate’s hard work and industry support”.

The three mayors from the Southland region - Mayor Tracy Hicks, Mayor Gary Tong and Mayor Tim Shadbolt presented graduates from their respective region with a recognition certificate. Mayor Tracy Hicks commented “TradeQual is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of those who have been successful in attaining qualification in their chosen field of endeavour. Endeavours which are particularly attuned to the “Trades”. The depth and breadth of subjects this year’s graduates achieved in was simply stunning and gives me great confidence for the future of the South”.

A highlight of the night for many was guest speaker for the evening, former racing car driver and four times Bathurst winner, Greg Murphy. He spoke of his journey of success as a professional racing car driver and the highs and lows of his career.

The Chamber of Commerce thanks sponsors NZCU South, Invercargill Licensing Trust, Southern Institute of Technology, Community Trust of Southland, Southland Manufacturers Trust, The Southland Times, PowerNet, Alliance Group, NZAS, Venture Southland, EIS and Southern Directionz for their support in making the night a success.