Posted on 20/11/17 in
Chloe Rudd from Print DNA, South Australia has won the $15,000 Visual Connections – Lithographic Institute of Australia national scholarship prize awarded at the Queensland 2017 PICA gala in Brisbane.
The national biennial award winners were selected from a field of ten finalists who had already won the Graduate of the Year award for their respective states in 2016 and 2017.
Rudd completed her 4 year apprenticeship in only 2 years, 4 months at Print DNA, located in Renmark, and is active in her community promoting print as a career path to high school students.
“I was a bit nervous, but it is all part of the process. Three years ago, I was sitting with Ian Andrews, Print DNA owner, having my job interview, so I have come a long way.”
“As part of the Print DNA program, we go into schools and talk about my process from a high school student to apprenticeship, and now being qualified. So, it is good to get them involved and let them know what their potential can be outside of high school, and that there are avenues other than University.”
As for what’s next, Rudd says, “I have a business plan, including what I want to do with the scholarship: business marketing, digital marketing, web development, leadership and management as well as visiting Vietnam to see a packaging and label factory.”
Not slowing down, Rudd is also nominated for a Worldskills Award, and may potentially end up in Sydney to compete at the national-level event.