Congratulations, Caleb, for winning the top award from the Composites Association of NZ.

Caleb Burke, fi innovations apprentice, and Gareth Dykes, our Managing Director, flew to Auckland in December for the NZ Marine + Composites graduation ceremony. Over 50 boat-building and composites graduates received their trade qualifications.

Little did Caleb know that he had won the 'Outstanding Apprentice' Award (although Gareth was in on the secret because he had to convince Caleb to make the trip north). On the night, Caleb was very surprised when the award was announced. He was delighted to get $1000 towards further training.

Susan Lake, President of CANZ, presented the award to Caleb. She commented in the Flexi magazine:

"This year's Composites Association of New Zealand Award has been awarded to Caleb Burke of FI Innovations."

"Caleb began his composites apprenticeship at FI Innovations in 2014, and has continued to refine his skills as a composites technician throughout the last three years. Caleb has shown many great attributes, including showing initiative, being extremely versatile, having a great eye for detail, challenging the status quo and identifying improvement opportunities. He always exceeds expectations regarding quality, reliability and forward thinking."

"Caleb leads fi innovations' infusion team with responsibilities for product development, streamlining processes and scheduling work. Caleb oversaw the transition from standard bag infusion to silicon bag infusion and set up the systems for foam filling of Stabicraft pontoon boats."

"As a highly valued team member of fi innovations, they are very sure he will go a long way in the composites industry."

Top Apprentice