Taryn Gannaway, an apprentice at Beacon Print's Whakatane site, has been named one of this year's three GAPF scholarship winners.

The New Zealand awards - which go to top "digital processes in print" apprentices - were announced at Print Training graduation ceremonies in Christchurch and Auckland, and provide winners with $1000 to further their education in the digital sector. Other winners were Ryan Fraser (Rocket Print) and Myra Anderson (printing.com).

Phil Ost of NZME and Tony Reid (PMP New Zealand) are among finalists in the trainer of the year competition, while Fairfax Media Christchurch Print, NZME Auckland, and the Greymouth Evening Star have been named as finalists in the "training company of the year" category. Winners of these categories will be announced at the Pride In Print awards night in Christchurch on May 12.

PMP Print's Elisha Pahia was presented with the WRH Global award for top binding and finishing apprentice.

More than 200 graduates, employers, colleagues and family attended the ceremonies, which PrintNZ general manager Ruth Cobb says are an opportunity to recognise those who have made a commitment to learning and completed their training during 2016.

At Beacon Print, general manager Brian Cornes says Taryn Gannaway is "very motivated and organised" as evidenced by her simultaneously completing the Competenz health and safety course, readying for the Diploma in Print Management and training for the Oxfam 100-kilometre walk. "Her commitment is great for us as a company and in general for our industry," he says.

The "bubbly" apprentice says she is "forever learning something new" in print, "even if it's to do with how the press works.

"I love visiting other sites and seeing what other companies do, and realising just how big the print industry really is. When I was 14 I never thought being a hand collator would have gotten me this far, so I count myself very lucky for everything I have been offered and can't wait to see where I will be in ten years' time."

Pictured: Taryn Gannaway (left) with Ruth Cobb