Stuart Heather, a third year apprentice at the ‘Huon Valley News’ was named Tasmanian ‘apprentice of the year’ at an event at Wrest Point Casino in Hobart. He wins $1000 cheque from Heidelberg, a trophy and framed certificate, together with two tickets to attend this year’s Tasmanian PICA awards. Five nominated apprentices recommended by RMIT University were interviewed by Printing Industries Association of Australia Victoria/Tasmania general manager Ron Patterson and Danny Roach of the Tasmanian Regional Council. Patterson says they were “very happy” to see the high calibre of apprentices: “The award is a prestigious one and the decision wasn’t easy,” he says. “After much deliberation, we decided that Stuart stood out as the deserving winner”. Maureen Oates, managing editor of the ‘Huon Valley News’ says staff were excited by the decision. “ “We prepare and print the newspaper each week, and also undertake commercial printing for clients,” she says. “Anything from business cards to brochures, letterheads, school end of year books, and calendars – you name it, we probably do it! “Everyone has to learn how to do everything here – be multiskilled – that is the aim and the reality, and it is only possible because of the contribution made by all our staff members.” Stuart Heather will now be nominated for the Tasmanian government’s apprentice of the year awards. Stuart Heather (centre) is pictured with colleagues from ‘Huon Valley News’ Karen McGrath, Joy Thorpe, Maureen Oates and Matthew Newell.