36 | Upgraded facilities for training Ben Stevens, director of specialist trades, says Skills Group wants to make sure its people are earning in a state-of-the-art facility with the latest technology. Dunedin: Skills Consulting Group -Cook Brothers T T Karen Phelps REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Skills Group is significantly investing in its training facilities to help make it the partner of choice in any of the markets it serves. “We want to maximise human potential,” says director of specialist trades Ben Stevens, “and have embarked on a 10-year strategic development plan for our facilities across New Zealand. We want to make sure our people are learning in a state-of-the-art facility with the latest technology.” The first of these upgraded facilities is in Kaikorai Valley, Ōtepoti Dunedin and due to officially open in August. The new facility will bring Skills’ electrical and plumbing training organisations – Etco and ICE – together in a Specialist Trades School format. The main contractor on the project was Cook Brothers Construction, which was originally formed in Ōtepoti Dunedin in 2005. “We’ve had amazing support on the project, and we love using local contractors,” says Ben. The project saw an earthquake-prone building be given a new lease on life, with extensive earthquake strengthening undertaken and refurbishment executed. Special features include repurposed rimu benches reclaimed from the demolition work that now tell the history of the building. “There is excitement in the local market that Skills has invested so much with the singular goal of making trades training and support networks a reality, for young people just starting off on their careers.” Etco’s regional manager southern, Nick Burrow, says the new facility has been met with excitement from learners. “Local apprentices have been very vocal about their desire to train in a ‘cool environment’ and the initial feedback from apprentices and students has been that we have set an incredibly high benchmark for quality trades training. “There is excitement in the local market that Skills has invested so much with the singular goal of making trades training and support networks a reality, for young people just starting off on their careers.” The Ōtepoti Dunedin site’s upgrades to facilities have gone hand in hand with ensuring the latest courses are available including a new level four electrical certification (New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Trade (Level 4) 4204) to be rolled out in July. Ben says this brand-new qualification has been developed with industry consultation to make sure apprentices will meet their needs. “We have introduced a practical testing component to the new qualification, which was based off industry feedback and is unique to Etco. “Furthermore the administrative burden associated with ‘on jobs’ for the apprentice and employer have been significantly reduced through streamlined online systems,” says Ben. Skills’ methods of teaching are also changing, with flexibility at the heart of the model: “Once upon a time you were stuck in a classroom to complete a qualification,” says Ben. “Now it’s all about flexible learning modes including block courses, night classes, face to face, virtual and all from various locations in New Zealand. People can also earn while they learn via a training allowance.” Skills Group is an independent commercial training education organisation with three facets: a private training enterprise (PTE), training provider group with business arms in New Zealand and internationally and a consulting training company. It operates across numerous different industries in New Zealand and around the globe building solutions that meet industry, employer and trainee needs. It has also completed significant capital works projects Hamilton, Nelson and Auckland with another two projects in progress in Christchurch and Tauranga. Ph: 03 456 3530 • Cell: 027 242 9337 • www.decoratingservicesltd.co.nz • PAINTERS • DECORATORS • GIBSTOPPING • WALLPAPERING • COMMERCIAL • DOMESTIC Proud to be associated with Skills Consulting Group service@activeelectrodunedin.co.nz 36 Prince Albert Road St Kilda Dunedin 9012 03 456 4087
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