Skills Active is the industry training organisation for sport and recreation in New Zealand, and the Apprentice of the Year Award recognises high-potential individuals gaining skills and qualifications that will help them improve the wellbeing of New Zealanders, through sport and recreation.

Shirlene completed her Recreation and Sport Aquatics Leader (Swim Education) in 2015 while she was employed at the Richmond Aquatic Centre. She found the business and administration side of her training especially interesting, and when the administration role came up at Teapot Valley, she applied and got the job.

Shirlene’s apprenticeship comprises three qualifications – the National Certificate in Recreation and Sport - Aquatics (Swim Education) Level 3, the National Certificate in Recreation and Sport Level 4, and the National Certificate in Education and Training Level 4.

“I always thought that apprenticeships were offered to young people, and that as an older person, the opportunity just wouldn’t come along,” Shirlene says.

“[The apprenticeship] has given me is a lot more confidence [and] has made me realise that learning and qualifications are more about that desire to learn, and carrying on learning throughout your lifetime.”

These days, Shirlene is sharing her passion for lifelong learning, and loves working with interns who come through the camp, to help them complete their industry training.

Shirlene is vying for the 2016 Apprentice of the Year title along with three other talented finalists – David Mudford from the aquatics industry, Bryn Morgans from the exercise industry, and Jess Reid from the sport industry.

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.

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.