The search is on for Porirua’s top young employees. Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Young Employee Award 2018.

Michelle Robinson, Executive Director for Partners Porirua, says there are many talented young employees making special contributions to their workplaces and this is a chance for employers to recognise that contribution.

“This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate successful young people in our community. It’s exciting hearing about the new ideas they bring into the workplace and the amazing things they are achieving.”

Ms Robinson says that every year the calibre of nominees just gets higher and higher.

“I think this a reflection on the tireless work that our Porirua Youth to Work Movement team has put in to getting more and more talented young people into work locally.”

Jessica Pritchard was a finalist in last year’s awards as well as the recipient of the 2017 Dale Carnegie Young Leader of the Year scholarship.

“To be recognised as an influencer and a leader has given me the motivation to ignore any barriers there may be in the work place and has given me the confidence to keep helping other youth reach their potential.”

Ms Pritchard says winning the Dale Carnegie Leadership scholarship made all the hard work worth it.

“To be recognised as a leader among so many talented individuals, as a young employee was surreal. The confidence this award gave me could not be matched and the scholarship I received has enabled me to reach new heights and accomplish things beyond what I would have thought possible.”

She says the scholarship has opened new doors for her and given her a whole new level of passion for the great things that youth can achieve in the workplace.