12 April 2016 DAIRY ENGINEERING APPRENTICESHIP AVAILABLE NOW A partnership between industry training organisation Competenz and the New Zealand Milking & Pumping Trade Association (NZMPTA) has resulted in New Zealand’s first nationally recognised apprenticeship qualification for dairy engineers. The qualification, the New Zealand Apprenticeship in Dairy Systems (Engineering), will build the skills and careers of a group of people who play an essential role in supporting New Zealand’s biggest industry: the engineers who design, install and maintain the milking, pumping and effluent systems that keep dairy farms running 365 days a year. Learners will gain the qualification through a three-year apprenticeship training programme. “The NZMPTA has been championing an apprenticeship programme for the dairy industry for many years and we’re thrilled that, with the expertise of Competenz, it’s now in place,” says NZMPTA president and country manager of Grundfos Pumps, Simon Fletcher. “This nationally recognised qualification addresses the shortfall of skilled tradespeople in the milk harvesting, pumping and water application sectors of the industry. While it’s largely engineering based, the apprenticeship delivers a range of skills, knowledge and workmanship. It will help the industry attract new people and offer them career paths, lift the level of skill in the industry and set consistent standards. Employers, employees and the farming clients we work with will all benefit.” Competenz industry manager Peter Ferguson says strong industry representation from the NZMPTA has helped the N E W S EN003 Competenz team understand the technical skills dairy technicians need to work productively and safely, and agree the qualification’s structure and content. “Dairy is such an important industry for New Zealand and our regional communities. So we’re really pleased to be able to help the industry build the skills it needs, right through the supply chain, to be internationally competitive.” Peter says apprenticeships are a structured, proven way to build skills. “Most learning takes place on the job. So apprentices are gaining practical skills that are directly relevant to the job they’re doing.” As the industry training organisation for the engineering industry, Competenz already manages over two thousand engineering apprenticeships across New Zealand. “Now we’re extending those apprenticeships to meet the needs of New Zealand’s biggest industry.” About the New Zealand Apprenticeship in Dairy Systems (Engineering) The apprenticeship involves three years of training on and off-the-job. Learners can choose one of two ‘strands’ (subjects): pumping systems or milking systems Competenz will work with companies and apprentices to develop tailored training plans, supply learning resources, review apprentices’ progress, and arrange assessments and off-job training For more information contact: Peter Ferguson (Competenz industry manager) Email: p.ferguson@competenz.org.nz Mob: 021 243 7365 Tel; 09 524 3123 Visit: www.competenz.org.nz/industry/ engineering/dairy-systems/ Building dairy industry skills: Aeronavics forms partnership with Airscope Raglan-based Aeronavics Ltd has recently become the primary platform provider for the Australian aerial inspection company, Airscope Industries. Airscope Industries is a specialised asset inspection company that uses Aeronavics’ Aerial Robotics Solutions to collect data to help its clients more efficiently manage their assets. It is also Australia’s fastest-growing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) inspection company. With more than 70 years of commercial and military flying experience, Airscope has taken the commonalities out of the pre-existing commercial airline model to create what is being labelled as the world’s first “drone airline’. “In a market growing as fast as the drone/ data collection industries, Airscope realises the importance of collaboration and is proud to form such a strong strategic partnership with Aeronavics to provide an unrivaled service offering to the asset inspection market,” says Airscope managing director Chris Leslie. Aurecon wins awards in Australia Global engineering consultant Aurecon secured two wins in the Financial Review (FR) Client Choice Awards in Sydney last month. Aurecon came out tops in two of the five categories it was named as a finalist in at the beginning of February this year. The company won the “Best provider to power & utilities industry for the Australian & New Zealand regions (all professional service firms)” and “Best South Australian firm (all professions)” categories.
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