In September 07, CANZ made history by being the first industry to change from one ITO to another. Previously involved with Competenz, which also serves the Engineering, Food and Beverage, and manufacturing industries, the move has been made to the Boating Industry training organisation. This was quite a feat and required ministerial approval and having started the process back in March 07, the final handover did not take place until late September 07. Read More...
The recent changeover to the BITO was in time for two Graduates who had just completed their Level 3 Certificate in Composites to attend the BITO’s annual Graduation Ceremonies held on 28th November. This was held at the Royal NZ yacht club and the two Graduates to attend were Don Pattiarachi and Eion Hewson from Fibreglass Developments Ltd in Feilding.
FDL, along with many other companies in the Composites association, is a strong supporter of the Training program and sees it as the only logical way forward to fill the need for skilled employees and the developing demands of the markets future. They have gone a few steps further by requiring all new employees to be able to complete the National Certificate in Composites Level 3, and hook on is compulsory after the 3 mnth initiation period. Pay is also based on a skills for pay system and is totally transparent and this system has been made available to all association members as an incentive for more skills.
With increased contact by very enthusiastic BITO personnel, the future is looking very positive to get new trainees on board and develop both individuals skills and the industry as a whole.