Louisa Jessop

New Zealand Sign and Display Association Apprentice of the Year

As a signmaker, Louisa Jessop designs, creates and installs signs and graphic elements for clients around the Christchurch area. No two days are the same. “I love the creativity and the variety of day-to-day work. There are always new projects in new locations, which keeps the job really fresh and interesting.”

Louisa works at Signtech in Christchurch and started her apprenticeship with Competenz in 2015. She has poured all her energy into her training, which she is due to complete at the end of this year. “I have given the apprenticeship scheme 110% all the way through, and have taken as many opportunities as I can to learn and advance my skills.

“I did this to better myself and give myself a career that I can be proud of. I’m very proud of the hard work that I’ve put in and what I’ve managed to achieve.”

Years of hard work and dedication really paid off for Louisa when she was named Apprentice of the Year at the annual industry awards in 2018. The award was presented at the New Zealand Sign and Display Association (NZSDA) annual awards in Auckland, a prestigious event that celebrates the outstanding design and craftsmanship across a broad range of signmaking methods and technologies.

Louisa received a $2,000 resource grant sponsored by Computaleta, a $2,000 Tool Box set sponsored by Jenrite, a $1,500 Letterheads all expenses paid registration sponsored by Resene, and an NZSDA 2019 Premier Conference registration.

For now, Louisa is enjoying the rest of her time as an apprentice and preparing to make her next career goals. “My goals over the last four years have been dedicated to completing my apprenticeship, and now that it’s coming to a close it will be time to make some new goals. I’m very happy doing what I’m doing. I enjoy the people I work with, and enjoy the work itself.”