MEDIA RELEASE
21 October 2008
Christchurch woman takes Networks Trainee of the Year title
Christchurch-based electrical apprentice Jennifer Seaward was recently named Networks Trainee of the Year at the 2008
Electricity Supply Industry Training Organisation (ESITO) Excellence Awards.
The Networks Trainee of the Year title, and $500 cash prize, is awarded annually to a trainee who has demonstrated
excellence and dedication in the pursuit of educational and vocational training. To be eligible for this category, the
trainee must work on one of the multitude of networks that deliver electricity to households and businesses around New
Zealand.
Immigrating from Canada three years ago, Ms Seaward took up an apprenticeship with ABB Limited and never looked back. At
the end of this year, she will finish the National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Electrical Engineering) Level 4.
Although this means her apprenticeship will be finished, her studies will continue as Ms Seaward plans to start studying
toward advanced trade qualifications.
“Like so many of this year’s winners, Jennifer is a great model,” said ESITO Acting CEO and convenor of the judging
panel, John McWilliam. “But what impressed the judges the most was Jennifer’s willingness to throw herself into
different roles and different environments.”
Ms Seaward received her award at a gala dinner held at Mystery Creek Events Centre in Hamilton last Thursday. Other
award winners were:
ESITO Overall Trainee of the Year
Bjorn Van Dam, Mighty River Power
Business Support Trainee of the Year
Liz Thomas, Electrix Limited
Generation Trainee of the Year
Bjorn Van Dam, Mighty River Power
Telecommunications Trainee of the Year
Jeremy Young, Transfield Services (New Zealand) Limited
Advanced Trainee of the Year
Michael Buchanan, Tenix Alliance New Zealand Limited
Contribution to Industry Training
Ashley Weir, Tyco Electronics NZ Limited
The ESITO Excellence Awards are organised by ESITO with support from premier sponsor Northpower. Other sponsors include
Electrix, Precision Training, Mighty River Power, United Group, DJC, Transfield Services and Connetics.
About ESITO
The Electricity Supply Industry Training Organisation (ESITO) sets national standards and qualifications, and develops
learning resources for all sectors of the industry – generation, transmission, distribution and utilisation.
About ABB
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve
performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of Companies operates in around 100 countries and employs
about 115,000 people.
ABB (www.abb.co.nz) has been in New Zealand for over 75 years and employs around 840 people nationwide.
ENDS