54 | Training recognised Paeroa-based Major Oak Safety Training (MOST) specialises in heavy, high-risk industry training. Major Oak Safety Training CONTRACTING Sue Russell Paeroa-based business Major Oak Safety Training – MOST, is in the business of training operators in the heavy and high-risk sectors, including on and offshore workers both locally and internationally “We’ve always been located in the Coromandel/Hauraki district . It’s a perfect area to operate from, located in the commonly referred to golden triangle between Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga, it provides us with quick and easy access to service our clients both nationally and internationally.” Founded in 2017, the last four years has seen MOST be the recipient of several national industry awards thanks to their delivery of quality services provided to the heavy and high risk industry. Key to success has been the link between those providing the training and those working on the machinery, including cranes of all shapes and sizes, mobile plant operation, heavy licencing and endorsements, health and safety systems reviews and implementations. “We’re all from the industry. We understand what’s involved in learning and training from a practical perspective. We are very hands on. There are not many people that specialise like us in heavy, high-risk industry training,” says founder/director Stuart Hindley. Gathering a team of like-minded assessors around him has taken time but been well worthwhile and he is always on the lookout for more. “Not everyone who can competently operate machinery can necessarily teach/ help others, so I have been very particular about who has, and will, come on board. I am personally out on site with the trainees most days. Heavy and high risk industry is not only my background but my passion, I am blessed to own and operate a company that allows me to stay involved and embrace helping more people in and around the industry.” Currently there is no clear pathway into heavy and high-risk industry in New Zealand, a situation Stu says needs to change. He and the team have developed several pathways into and through the industry via New Zealand’s only crane related micro-credentials. These are bigger than a unit standard training course but smaller than a full qualification. MOST currently offers micro-credential in the following, with more in the pipeline: Introduction to Cranes and Load Lifting, Load Slinging and Lift Communications, Overhead Gantry Crane Operator, Self-Erecting Tower Crane Operator, Truck Loader Crane Operator, Visual Inspection and Proof Loading of Rigging/Lifting Equipment. COVID presented a perfect opportunity for MOST to show their versatility. Stu and the team put measures in place to enable their trainees to continue, and complete, ongoing training, upskilling and qualifications to enable industries to continue to operate safely through extraordinary times. Stu sits on the NZ Crane Council. He says generally people don’t really see crane operating as a career. “People tend to end up in the sector through family contacts. It’s not a large industry here in NZ but contributes to nearly every other industry. The Crane Association of NZ has definitely got a focus to elevate crane operation as a worthwhile career. The facility in Paeroa extends across a huge 4,500m2, separated into dedicated areas for specialised training including crane operations, mobile plant operations, full range of height safety including rescue, confined space works and rescue and heavy licensing and endorsements. This all allows for a hands on experience with actual equipment. There are also the theory rooms, break out spaces, a first aid room and the world class simulator. “Our aim is to be able to take trainees from theory to simulation through a pathway using our technology and real world activities and situations on site, logging experience to gain industry recognised qualifications. Our simulator also offers opportunity for those more experienced to continue to learn through professional development. Having taken out the major award of Crane Training Company of the Year at the Crane Assn of NZ annual awards for several years in a row, and now with accreditation as a Private Training Establishment, MOST entered a new award category, and received this year’s PTE Trainer of the Year award. It was also a moment to recognise the contribution Stu has personally made to the sector in awarding him the inaugural 2022 NZ Crane Leader of the Year. “It is always nice to be recognised by your peers but even better when you’re recognised for your passion to help others.” MOST is currently working to enhance the quality of training made available to our South Pacific neighbours. “Demand for what we have to offer has continued to grow in the South Pacific for NZ companies out there, as well as South Pacific peoples coming to work in NZ in our areas of industry. This next venture is a logical way for us to grow and meet that need.” We’re all really excited about this next evolution for the business, the people and the region and can see only good coming from it. We are working to fully develop and operate educational standards recognised in this region and potentially here in NZ to help with skill recognition and industry shortages.” Quality, Service with Integrity • General Engineering and Fabrication • Structural Steel • Stainless and Aluminium Fabrication Proud Supporters of Major Oak Safety Training 07 868 7421 104 Burke Street Thames 3500 For more details or to book: info@most.kiwi.nz www.most.kiwi.nz 2019 - 2021 CRANE TRAINING COMPANY OF THE YEAR CRANE LEADER OF THE YEAR 2022 Specializing in heavy industry we offer a wide range of courses including but not limited to Knowledge of Slinging Regular Loads Safely Unit Standard 30072 Crawler Crane Operator Unit Standard 27676 Overhead Gantry Crane Operator Unit Standard 3800 Non-slewing Articulated Crane Unit Standard 24511 Mini Crawler (Spider)Crane Unit Standard 26505 Tower Crane Operator Unit Standard 3794 Sling regular loads and communicate during crane operations Unit Standard 3789 Sling complex loads for crane operations Unit Standard 3801 Self Erecting Tower Crane Unit Standard 20208 Truck Mounted Crane Unit Standard 16617 Mobile Crane Operator Unit Standard 3795 Plan and Direct Complex Lifting Operations Unit Standard 3799 ASK US ABOUT NZ’S FIRST CRANE TRAINING CENTRE! Pre-employment skills verifcation Current operator up-skilling Task specific & post incident training International competency tests EQUIPMENT SIMULATOR 120+ SCENARIOS & SITUATIONS
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