Miss Fraser (21), who works for Otago Daily Times Print in Alexandra, won the Digital Process for Print apprentice national award and was one of six finalists for the overall top apprentice prize at the recent Pride in Print awards in Auckland.
She missed out on the premium award but won a $2000 scholarship from the Graphics Arts Pre-Press Federation for professional development.
"I'd set myself a goal of receiving the digital process award, so I was thrilled when it actually happened, and feel very honoured to get the scholarship, as well."
She completed her Print New Zealand Training apprenticeship in digital print processes at the end of last year and achieved excellent passes throughout her training.
Digital process is design and layout work, involving typography, digital imaging, preparing files for print and plate making.
Otago Daily Times Print manager Steve Morait said Miss Fraser was a good worker and skilled in her trade.
"Her work is of a consistently high standard and that's reflected in her excellent grades.
"Rebecca's passion for her work, her initiative and her talents were also recognised when she won the Central Otago District Council apprenticeship award for overall excellence in 2008."
Mr Morait said Miss Fraser was the third employee of the firm to be a finalist in the national print awards in the past decade.
Designer Kara Anderson and printer Kuran Ireland had also won their respective sections in the awards.
While a pupil at Dunstan High School, Miss Fraser had sought work experience at ODT Print, working part-time after school in the art room, before being offered an apprenticeship in 2005.
The most satisfying part of her role was seeing clients' reaction to her work, she said.
"I most enjoy the fact that I have the chance to bring clients' visions alive, in a way that makes them proud to call what I design their own."
It was a fast-paced industry and it was good to work for a firm where she could follow a job right through the printing process, from design to dispatch.
"That gives me a better understanding of the different aspects within the printing industry".
Her next goal is to complete a diploma in print management and she is keen to train others in her craft.
"I find it extremely satisfying knowing the skills that I now possess can be used to extend other people's understanding of the industry."
