14 October 2016
Press release for immediate use
Industry training organisation Skills Active has announced the finalists in its inaugural Apprentice of the Year
competition, which recognises high-potential individuals gaining skills and qualifications that will help them improve
the wellbeing of New Zealanders, through sport and recreation.
These four hard-working, ambitious and passionate people all completed their Skills Active apprenticeships in sport and
recreation disciplines in 2015, and are building successful and rewarding careers in our industries.
Meet the 2016 Skills Active Apprentice of the Year finalists
Bryn Morgans – personal trainer at CityFitness Newmarket in Auckland
Bryn completed a Fitness Leader (Personal Trainer) apprenticeship. He has a diploma in sport science, and after a few
years working in the exercise industry, he took on an apprenticeship in order to gain a further qualification and grow
his skills as a personal trainer. Bryn enjoys working one-on-one with clients, and has big plans for helping as many
people as he can to get fit and active.
David Mudford – facility-in-charge at Regional Aquatics Centre in Wellington
David completed a Recreation and Sport Aquatics Leader (Pool Lifeguard) apprenticeship. He is one of the
facility-in-charge staff at Wellington Regional Aquatics Centre, loves working with his team, and has a particular
interest in equipment and maintenance.
Jess Reid –assistant golf coach and retail manager at Russley Golf Course in Christchurch
Jess completed a Recreation and Sport Coach/Instructor apprenticeship through benchmarked training with PGA New Zealand.
She is passionate about coaching and seeing people develop their skills, and especially wishes to promote the game of
golf to get more women and young people involved.
Shirlene Spencer – administrator at Teapot Valley Christian Camp in Nelson
Shirlene completed a Recreation and Sport Aquatics Leader (Swim Education) apprenticeship. She was a member of the team
at the Richmond Aquatics Centre before taking on an administration role at Teapot Valley Christian Camp. She is
passionate about lifelong learning, and loves working with interns who come through the camp to help them complete their
industry training.
Queenstown awards ceremony
The Skills Active Apprentice of the Year will be announced on November 1st. The winner will travel to Queenstown to be
presented with a trophy and a cheque for $1,000, at the New Zealand Recreation Association prizegiving dinner on
November 10th.
Sport and recreation is woven into the fabric of the kiwi identity and plays a crucial part in keeping New Zealanders
physically, mentally and emotionally well, and strengthening the social ties that bind us. Through this award, Skills
Active intends to recognise not just these outstanding individuals, but the invaluable work of the sport and recreation
workforce as a whole.
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