Two-hundred-and-fifty graduates who have completed study while working to improve or gain new skills were last night recognised for their accomplishments at the Ashburton District Industry Training Awards at the Ashburton Club & MSA.

Pictured: Twenty-three of the 2020 Ashburton District Industry Training Graduates who attended the awards ceremony with Ashburton District Mayor Neil Brown.

​The awards, supported through the New Zealand Industry Training Organisation, local businesses, the Mayor's Task Force for Jobs Initiative and the Ashburton District Council are designed to support employees through training that benefits local organisations and improves the district's skilled workforce.

This year's graduates gained certificates across a range of industries including health and wellbeing, engineering, mining, tourism and recreation, retail, agriculture, business management, automotive and trades.

Ashburton District Mayor Neil Brown, who led the ceremony said this year's graduates should be very proud of their achievements.

"It gives me great to pleasure to congratulate Ashburton District's new Industry Training Graduates.

"Becoming a graduate can open doors to new employment opportunities or heighten your expertise which is a real asset to our community. Putting in hours of study on top of a full-time job is a big commitment, but it is one I'm sure each graduate will go on to reap huge rewards from. Well done."

The Mayor also thanked the many sponsors and employers who encouraged their staff to continue their training and development.

"Through this process, you are helping to raise people up to reach their potential which is crucial for achieving long-term economic success in our district," he said.