Graduates who have completed study while working to improve or gain new skills were this week recognised for their accomplishments at the Ashburton District Industry Training Awards.

Sixteen graduates had their certificates presented by Mayor Neil Brown at a special ceremony at the Ashburton Event Centre. Some 200 more in the wider district have also been involved in industry study.

The awards are supported through New Zealand Industry Training Organisations, local businesses, the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs Initiative and the Ashburton District Council.

Mayor Brown told the graduates it was not easy to hold down a fulltime job and study, though the results were worth it.

"You have all been studying and working to improve your existing skills or gain new ones and in the process, you have the support of your employer, sponsors and training advisors.

"There are wider implcations for us all because having a talented workforce is crucial to achieving long-term economic success and you will make a positive contribution."

Mayor Brown also thanked employers and sponsors who encouraged their staff to continue their training and further development.

This year's graduates gained certificates across a range of industries including health and wellbeing, health care, fitness, retail, distribution, water treatment, automotive, electricity supply and agriculture.

Learn more about the Mayors Taskforce For Jobs initiative here.