A focus on promoting and celebrating New Zealand print apprentices will see graduates honoured by family, friends and employers.

Two ceremonies - one in Auckland and the second in Christchurch - are planned for April, creating memorable celebrations to publicly acknowledge their training.

PrintNZ Manager Ruth Cobb says the aim is to raise both the profile of trainees and highlight opportunities in the New Zealand printing industry.

"Today's training covers not only the traditional print-based programmes but also includes areas such as sales, business admin, first-line management, lean manufacturing and the Diploma in Print Management," she says.

The Aopril ceremonies will celebrate completion of 2014 courses and enable industry to recognise the value of graduates. It will also provide recognition to businesses and employers prepared to invest in their employees.

In addition presentations will be made to Diploma in Print Management finalists and winner; the best training company and trainer of 2014; and the best 12 apprentices across all programmes. The top five apprentices will be named and go forward to the Pride In Print Awards ceremony on May 1 in Wellington where the apprentice of the year will be honoured.