Hard work and study paid off for more than 200 Mid Canterbury people recently when they were recognised at the Ashburton District Council’s industry training awards.

They have been working across a range of industries from agriculture to aged care, and then studying in their spare time to grow their skills.

Guest speaker at the awards was Council’s Group Manager of Community Services, Steve Fabish, who began his apprenticeship in horticultural gardening when he was 16. He added a diploma from Massey University and worked in commercial nurseries overseeing the production of millions of trees and shrubs.

After running his own business, he moved to Local Government.

It was important councils also promoted continued learning and the apprenticeship programme, he said.

“Family have supported you studying while you work and I remember that it was hard work.”

Mr Fabish said the challenge for those who had achieved industry training certificates was to be proud of their achievements and continue to develop, and encourage others into their chosen sector of employment.

The graduates were recognised in sectors as diverse as agriculture, automotive electrical engineering, health and retail.

Seventeen chose to receive their certificates in person at the award ceremony at the Ashburton Event Centre recently, organised by Council. The Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs supports industry training.

Cr Russell Ellis, who handed out the certificates, said the taskforce was about ensuring young people were in education or training, work or other activities that contributed to the economy.

He congratulated the graduates for their discipline in working and studying. “It is not easy, but in the long run it is worthwhile."

A video message from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was also played, in which she praised those who had chosen to develop their skills further in their trades and quoted Thomas Edison.

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. And New Zealand needs people with trades and services now more than at any other time in our history.”