Lucas Tofani Souza announced as 2020 Skills Active Apprentice of the Year

New Zealand industry training body, Skills Active has announced that lighting technician for the performing arts sector, Lucas Tofani Souza is the winner of their 2020 Apprentice of the Year.

Souza, who works as a lighting technician for ETS/Hang-Up Entertainment in Christchurch, advises he “loves to make people smile through the magic of entertainment and events.”

Every year this title goes to an exceptional apprenticeship graduate who has demonstrated talent, hard work and a commitment to increasing the health and wellbeing of New Zealand communities, through sport, recreation or performing arts.

Souza, who completed the New Zealand Certificate in Entertainment and Event Technology (Level 4), has shared the story of his learning journey in a new video.  

Originally from Brazil, Souza came to New Zealand with the goal of building on his experience and boosting his CV.

Despite English not being his first language, Souza completed his apprenticeship and appreciated and enjoyed the opportunities it provided to learn and exchange ideas with his peers, managers, and his Skills Active assessor.

Souza explained “having a qualification, as a technician in the entertainment industry - it's professional and personal development. If you're passionate about it, if you want to take a next step, everyone should do it.”

Souza will be presented with his Apprentice of the Year award in front of his friends and colleagues, in the coming weeks.