A Message from the 2024 Keith Langstone Highflyer Award

We are thrilled to announce the 2024 winner of the Keith Langstone Highflyer Award is Jackson Brattle of Dzine Signs! Jackson is a 3rd generation signwriter from Wellington and received the award for his outstanding dedication to his employer and his customers. Jackson was nominated for the award by his boss and father, Dustin Brattle, who highlighted his determination, hard work, and exceptional team skills. Jackson puts his hand to any skill in the shop, from Design, Print, Wrap, Electrical, LED, Manufacturing/Welding, Install, and CNC operating, and always upholds the company’s proud customer service standards.

Initially starting as an electrical apprentice, he decided to stay in the sign trade with his family, showcasing his dedication to the craft. His eagerness to learn and understand all processes in their large shop sets him apart. Jackson is the first pick for tricky work, after-hours tasks, specialist projects, and even training clients with LED software, demonstrating a scope of skills far beyond that expected of a final year apprentice.

We caught up with Jackson to ask him how he felt about winning the Keith Langstone Award:

Winning the Keith Langstone Highflyer Award is a significant achievement. How does it feel to be recognised as a trailblazer in the industry, and what does this award represent for you?

“I was stoked to get the award and be recognised for the skills I’ve gained from my work at Dzine. I pride myself on having a “can do” attitude towards learning new skills in the industry.”

Unfortunately, you couldn’t make it to the awards ceremony. How did you find out you had won the award and what was your reaction?

“My dad was present at the ceremony and received the award on my behalf. He messaged me and told me I had won; he was pretty excited. He must have messaged my grandpa (Steve Brattle) as well, as he also messaged me soon after!”

Looking forward, what are your goals for the future, and how do you plan to continue pushing the boundaries in your career?

“I’m focused on completing my apprenticeship with Competenz and continuing to push for new skills within the trade as they arise. I love our trade and look forward to aiming even higher.”

What advice would you give to others in the signage industry who aspire to achieve similar recognition?

“Keep a growth mindset to take on new challenges, new tools, new skills. I also encourage others to keep an eye on the industry for what is the next “new” set of skills to add to your toolbox.”

Keith Langstone valued learning and innovation. What are some of the key skills or techniques you’ve acquired recently that you believe have contributed to your success?

“I have pushed into fabrication through welding and CNC alloy signage, I also learned LED systems through my first apprenticeship of electrical. All the while keeping ahead of new courses and techniques in the wrap application.”

The 2024 Keith Langston Award was proudly sponsored by Cohesive who had the following to say, “Congratulations to Jackson Brattle of Dzine Signs for winning the prestigious Keith Langstone Award at the recent NZSDA awards evening. Jackson’s talent, hard work, and diligence have truly set him apart, and we are thrilled to recognise and celebrate these outstanding attributes. Congratulations Jackson from all the team at Cohesive.”