Skills Active Aotearoa announces Khiry Hewitt as 2023 Apprentice of the Year

Khiry Hewitt, based at audio visual company, VIDCOM, has earned Skills Active Aotearoa’s esteemed title for this year's top award in work-based learning within te ahumahi ā-rēhia – the active recreation sectors.

Hewitt was named the Apprentice of The Year last week in his hometown of Pōneke.  

Every year Te Mahi Ako (part of the Skills Active group) nominates an exceptional apprenticeship graduate who has demonstrated talent, hard work and a commitment to increasing the health and wellbeing of New Zealand communities, through recreation, sport or entertainment and events.

Te Mahi Ako Chief Executive, Maren Frerichs shared “Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's winner (Khiry) successfully completed a level 4 certificate in entertainment and event operations, sparking a passion for entertainment technology which led to the completion of his apprenticeship programme.

“His passion for the industry and enthusiasm for the possibilities that this work provides him and those he gets to mentor, is infectious.”

Skills Active Aotearoa Group is a not-for-profit organisation, 50% owned by Māori shareholders, supporting capability development in te ahumahi ā-rēhia: the active recreation, leisure, entertainment and events sectors. 

Te Mahi Ako is part of the Skills Active group and supports individuals to develop themselves through real-life learning within businesses, iwi and communities.