From teenage gaming to programming automation robots and helping to create operating guides for multi-million-dollar machinery, curiosity has transformed the career of this year’s New Zealand's Plastics Learner of the Year, Joshua Felise-Anderson.

The 26-year-old Plastics Technician from Pact Group in East Tamaki, Auckland, was named Competenz Plastics Learner of the Year, recognising not only his technical excellence but the initiative, curiosity and leadership that have made him one of the industry's rising stars. Joining Joshua in the winners' circle was runner-up Frans Paulus, who completed his award-winning plastics apprenticeship with Gallagher Group before recently relocating to Christchurch.

At Pact Group, Joshua helps manufacture everyday products found in homes across New Zealand, including injection moulded buckets and pails for well-known household names in paint and supermarket staples.

It is a world away from where he imagined his career would begin.

Growing up in Rotorua and attending Western Heights High School, Joshua worked in fruit picking and hospitality before moving to Auckland in 2020 to join Pact Group, formerly known as Viscount Plastics. While friends remembered him as the class clown, Joshua says he was naturally introverted and had never considered himself particularly creative.

That changed when he discovered plastics manufacturing.

"I'm a bit of a perfectionist. I want to understand every part of the process because the more you understand, the better quality work you produce. Everything connects.

"I've realised this job lets me be creative in ways I never expected. Every day there's something new to solve, improve or understand."

While learning to operate Pact's latest multi-million-dollar automation equipment, Joshua went a step further, taking the initiative to understand how the robots and machinery worked behind the scenes. Drawing on the technical curiosity he developed through years of gaming, he helped create practical operating guides to help fellow team members confidently use the new technology.

"I've always liked figuring out how technology works. Gaming taught me that if you spend time understanding a system, you can fine-tune it and get the best out of it. I found myself doing exactly the same thing with our machinery."

That mindset has seen Joshua play an active role in commissioning new equipment, supporting operational improvements and contributing to initiatives that increased recycled content across Pact's product range while strengthening food safety and quality systems. His employer says he consistently takes ownership of new initiatives, embraces change and demonstrates emerging leadership well beyond what would normally be expected of an apprentice.

Joshua credits Competenz Training Advisor Luke van den Bos as one of the biggest influences on his apprenticeship.

A former Plastics Apprentice of the Year himself, Luke went beyond the requirements of his role by learning the fundamentals of injection moulding so he could better support Joshua throughout his qualification.

"Luke never just gave me answers. He helped me think things through and really understand what I was learning. Knowing he had been through the same journey made a huge difference."

Luke says Joshua's willingness to keep learning has always set him apart.

"He has never been satisfied with simply doing the job. He genuinely wants to understand why things work, and then shares that knowledge with others. That's exactly the kind of attitude our industry needs."

Joshua hopes to one day repay that support.

"In ten years, I'd love to be in a management role or teaching apprentices like Luke does. If I can help the next generation aim for high standards and enjoy learning as much as I have, that would be pretty special."

Luke says apprentices like Joshua demonstrate how modern manufacturing rewards curiosity as much as technical skill.

"His story challenges outdated perceptions of manufacturing. Today's plastics industry needs people who are curious, adaptable and excited by technology. His willingness to continually learn, embrace automation and help others succeed makes him a deserving Learner of the Year."

Recognition for runner-up

Joining Joshua among this year's award recipients is runner-up Frans Paulus, a father who recently relocated to Christchurch after completing his award-winning apprenticeship with Gallagher Group in the Waikato.

For Frans, the accolade is recognition not only of his own commitment, but of the people who supported him throughout his training.

"Being named runner-up is a great honour and an incredibly rewarding validation of the hard work, self-commitment and focus I've put into my training," he says.

"It's not just a personal milestone; it's a reflection of the endless support I've had from my managers, my team and my Competenz Training Advisor. This recognition fuels my passion for the industry and motivates me to keep pushing the boundaries of what I can achieve in my plastics career."

Frans encourages anyone considering an apprenticeship not to let study requirements stand in their way.

"An apprenticeship isn't like traditional school. Most of your learning happens hands-on on the shop floor while you're mastering your trade.

"Break the paperwork into small, bite-sized pieces. Spending just 15 or 20 minutes a day, or a couple of hours over the weekend, keeps the momentum going without becoming overwhelming. And remember, you're never doing it alone. Your manager, workmates and Training Advisor all want to see you succeed."

Gallagher Group Production Manager Tony Moore says Frans consistently demonstrated the initiative and commitment that made him stand out.

"Frans continually looked for opportunities to expand his knowledge and skills, willingly took on additional responsibilities and was always prepared to support those around him," says Tony.

"His commitment to learning, positive attitude and willingness to challenge himself made him a valuable member of the team, and we're incredibly proud to see him recognised as runner-up in this year's national awards."

Joshua hopes one day to mentor apprentices of his own. Frans wants others to know that an apprenticeship is achievable, one small step at a time. Together, their stories show that the industry's future is being shaped by people who are prepared to keep asking questions, keep learning and keep raising the bar.

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