Learners we work with

Cameron Lamb




 

Hawke’s Bay Forestry Apprentice of the Year

Competenz learners and contract staff were very well represented in the winners’ list of the inaugural Hawke’s Bay Forestry Awards.

Tumu Timbers’ apprentice Cameron Lamb won Apprentice of the Year and Nicholas Hinks who works at Pan Pac Forest Products, was named Trainee of the Year. Kere Elliot from Elliot Logging took out the Skilled Forestry Professional award.

Apprentice of the Year winner Cameron Lamb is in the second year of his New Zealand Apprenticeship in Timber Machining at Tumu Timbers in Hastings. Manager Gemma Dickie says it was a “privilege” to support Cameron’s application.

“To have him recognised by the industry has topped off what has been an exceptional year for Cam, who also placed top of his Block Course through Toi Ohomai. Cameron is an exceptional young man with a very bright future.”

As well as being a highly regarded Competenz contract forestry assessor, Kere Elliot has been involved in Pan Pac harvesting operations for many years and is a well-respected and trusted tree felling and auditing specialist. She has worked her way through all aspects of harvesting operations firstly as   a worker and employee, to running a harvesting contracting crew with her husband Grant, as well as providing auditing and training services to the contract workforce.

Competenz Training Advisor Todd Billing says he is constantly amazed by the talent and skills evident in the industry.

“It’s wonderful seeing people of all ages demonstrating that learning never stops and obtaining a qualification. We are proud of our nominees and winners – it’s a great achievement.”

Other Competenz learners who took out awards were forestry assessors Kevin Humphreys (Forestry Excellence), Hemi Poutu (Outstanding Regional Service Performance) and Trevor Sialemisa (Outstanding Contribution).