Business Central September 2021

| 55 Kawerau: Milbank Industrial Electric The Milbank Industrial team specialise in the servicing of all electromechanical rotating equipment. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Milbank Industrial can take on any size job thanks to its large workshop facility with ca- pacity to lift up to 40 tonnes. The workshop is large enough to also get in mobile cranes with larger lifting capacity if required. Milbank has a team of around 20 including electric motor rewinders, registered industrial electricians, electrical inspectors, fitters and machinists. Experience and skill is important along with continual training to ensure the staff is the best they can be, says Craig. This also offers many opportunities for locals. Currently eight apprenticeships are under- way including some people doing a second apprenticeship and adult apprentices. “As an essential service we were busy throughout lockdown and we haven’t slowed down since. “We are continuing to grow.” For electricians needing work-ready apprentices, Etco (the Electrical Training Company) makes this a reality. With less risk, less stress and less cost, it is the easy, no-hassle option, says Etco marketing and communications manager Helen Stephens. So how does it work? Etco employ the apprentice and place them with a host company. Host companies bene it from the government’s Apprenticeship Boost, which sees the government o er $1000 each month for the irst year and $500 each month for the second-year apprentice for up to 20 months. Etco takes care of everything including HR, administration, payroll and even managing training, meaning the business owner receives one simple invoice each week and can simply get on with running their business and undertaking the apprentice’s on-the-job training. As a Private Training Enterprise, Etco takes care of all the o -job (theory) training as well, with training centres located throughout the country. It also provides tools such as an e-diary and a learning management system to assist the apprentice to get through their training. This means business owners’ bene it from an apprentice having the experience they need more quickly. Using Etco is also considerably less risky. For example if something changes in the business, such as a contract delay, which might mean business sta ing requirements change, Etco can relocate the apprentice within a short timeframe, continuing to pay their wages and supporting them. Etco makes it easy Helen says Etco has a model that can clearly demonstrate that by using Etco apprentices a business actually saves money compared with employing an apprentice directly. “It really does make it easier and less hassle, so the host can concentrate on running their own electrical business,” says Helen. “Our apprentices are screened, tested and trained so they are work-ready. Then after placement we support the host business and manage the apprentice throughout their apprenticeship. We o er the whole package resulting in higher and quicker completion rates than is the industry norm.” Etco is 100% owned by Master Electricians, the industry association for New Zealand electrical contractors. Established in 1991, it operates as a not-for-pro it charity with surpluses channelled back into developing industry training. It supports business owners and apprentices to ensure the process of training new electrical tradespeople happens smoothly. If a business has taken on an apprentice already before hearing about Etco, then Etco can still assist with the o -job (theory) training in one of its nationwide training facilities. Helen says Etco’s commitment to producing the best has helped thousands of Etco apprentices and businesses across New Zealand, including Milbank Industrial Electrical Co, which has seen the advantages of taking on Etco apprentices and is reaping the business bene its.