Painters At Hersee's Help Trade

Newcastle Herald

Saturday July 5, 2008

GR

INTERNATIONAL links are being forged between a local business and a WorldSkills gold medal winner from Sweden.

Arrangements are advanced on an exchange that is set to bring Emil Gronholm to the Hunter.

The man whose generosity will ensure the exchange goes ahead is Newcastle master painter John Hersee.

Mr Hersee's two sons Brendan and Sean are part of the Hersee's 24-strong workforce.

In past years Brendan has performed well in the Hunter WorldSkills contest while Sean progressed to the finals contested in Melbourne.

Now the brothers are planning a visit to Ireland next year.

Arrangements are being made through WorldSkills connections to ensure they both get work experience in their father's homeland.

It was a little reciprocal thinking that led to John Hersee offering to give work to an international visitor.

He saw the way his own sons had benefitted from WorldSkills and that made him keen to support the scheme.

Other painters in the region have come on board.

It is anticipated several will employ the Swedish visitor, who is expected to arrive in August.

Mr Hersee said he welcomed the international interchanges now being encouraged by the WorldSkills organisation.

He said it was important to encourage and support young people coming into the industry.

"In my own organisation I try to employ two apprentices a year. And WorldSkills offers them some great opportunities," he said.

"WorldSkills offers them some great opportunities."

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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