Queensland Apprentice wins Printing Industries Award

Adam Murphy, a 22 year old Print Finishing apprentice, is Queensland’s Printing Industry 2007 Apprentice of the Year.

Adam is employed by well known Brisbane business, PrintWorks, and was awarded his prize on Friday night (23 November 2007) at the Printing Industries Queensland Craftsmanship Awards (PICA) at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. 

Winner Adam Murphy (far left) from Print Works Qld with Apprentice of the Year Finalists Leann Grubic, Stanthorpe Print 'n Copy; Paul Rotherham, Artcraft Queensland and Che Landcaster, Heaneys Performers in Print.

In a co-venture, Southbank Institute of Technology and Printing Industries Queensland partnered to elevate this long standing award to recognise future industry leaders. Adam is the first recipient of the re-branded prize which now includes a trip to the international printing exhibition DRUPA 2008 as well as funding for future professional development. 

Adam and the three other finalists, Lauren Grubic – Graphic Press (Stanthorpe Print n Copy), Che Lancaster - Printing (Heaneys Performers in Print) and Paul Rotherham – Screenprinting (Artcraft Queensland) all studied at Southbank Institute of Technology’s Queensland School of Printing and Graphic Arts (QSPGA). 

The four finalists were selected from third and fourth year apprentices studying at QSPGA. Each finalist went through a rigorous interview process with a panel of industry judges before the Apprentice of the Year was chosen. All the finalists had consistently achieved an excellent standard of work and study during their apprenticeships. 

Adam was excited about his win and looks forward to the challenges the prize brings him. "It was an indescribable experience," he said.

"I asked people afterwards what happened: once they said my name it was like I was floating. The smile didn't come off my face all night." 

Southbank Institute of Technology Director Craig Sherrin said: “Southbank Institute of Technology is continually building a strong reputation for training excellence through specialised knowledge and industry partnerships.” 

Printing Industries Queensland President Susan Heaney said: “With this partnership between Southbank Institute of Technology and Printing Industries, the industry will benefit from the expertise and experience Adam gains through the prize and he will make an excellent role model for young persons considering a career in the Queensland printing industry”.

Printing Industries Queensland
www.printnet.com.au