Young Operator of the Year

Young Operator of the Year Award 2011

This award has been created to recognise up and coming talent in the water, wastewater and reticulation industries.  Through the Modern Apprenticeship programme the water industry has attracted many individuals who have already become an asset to the industry. 

The Young Operator of the Year Award is an acknowledgment by industry peers to a Modern Apprentice who has stood out in their enthusiasm and passion to learn about the water industry and demonstrated excellent progress in their apprenticeship.

Applications for the 2011 award have now closed.

The Prize

To be awarded annually to the most outstanding applicant. The Prize recipient will be recognised at the WIOG Annual Conference and in various water industry publications.

Hall Machinery and the Water Industry Operation Group of New Zealand have generously provided sponsorship to attend an exclusive, three-week Bound to Succeed course at Outward Bound, Anakiwa, valued at $3,500.  Bound to Succeed has a reputation for increasing participants’ self-esteem, productivity and focus. This is a fabulous opportunity, with both the course and travel to and from Anakiwa paid for. 

Water Industry Training will pay for the winner to attend the forthcoming WIOG conference in Queenstown, so they may receive their award in person.  The prize will include flights, accommodation, meals, registration (and annual membership to WIOG), and attendance to the awards dinners, to the value of $1,500. 

Summary of Selection Criteria for Judges:

Outstanding attitude                           

Demonstrated excellent progress in their apprenticeship

Enthusiasm for the water industry                 

Determination and perseverance

Good work habits                                           

Benefit to the personal development of the Applicant

Benefit to the water industry and/or employer

 Conditions under which this Prize will be awarded:

  1. Candidates must be aged between 18 and 26 years (Outward Bound requirements).
  2. Candidates must have a current Training Agreement with Water Industry Training and have been in training for at least 12 months.
  3. Employer acknowledgement must be obtained that leave will be granted for the duration of the Outward Bound course (21 days, plus travel), and WIOG Conference (3 days, 11-13 May).
  4. The Scholarship will be for an Outward Bound Classic course and is not transferable.
  5. Candidates must be New Zealand Citizens or New Zealand Permanent Residents.
  6. All students wishing to be considered for the Award must apply on the official application form and submit this by 18 April 2011.  The application and all attachments must be received by the Water Industry Training post marked no later than 18th April 2011.
  7. Any applications received after this date will not be considered.
  8. If any candidate declines a Scholarship, does not take it up or fails the medical examination, the selection panel may offer the Scholarship to another person.  A Scholarship shall normally be taken up in the year for which it is offered.
  9. In applying for a Scholarship, each applicant agrees that the panel may approach their water industry adviser, tutor, employer and referees to seek verification of details set out in the applicant’s application.