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Opinion: Manufacturing’s automation moment is here – now comes the workforce challenge

June 18, 2026

As technology transforms manufacturing, success will depend on building a workforce with the skills to adapt, innovate and work alongside AI.

What Budget 2026 means for industry and learners

June 8, 2026

Stronger pathways, stronger workforce

Wood Manufacturing sector: Have your say on future training

June 3, 2026

Wood manufacturing employers are invited to help shape future industry training by sharing views on training delivery from 2027.

Bakery sector: Help shape the future workforce

May 6, 2026

Future Baking industry training in NZ seeks providers for practical, flexible, industry-led delivery focused on learner success from 2027

Locksmithing sector: Expressions of interest now open

May 6, 2026

Future Locksmith industry training in NZ seeks providers for practical, flexible, industry-led delivery from 2027 onwards.

Furniture sector: Support industry training opportunities

May 5, 2026

EOI seeks providers to deliver future furniture training in NZ, focusing on industry alignment, learner outcomes, and sustainable delivery from 2027.

Competenz Establishes Interim Board as Transition to Private Training Enterprise Progresses

March 27, 2026

Competenz has formed an Interim Board to guide its transition to a Private Training Enterprise, marking a key step toward strong industry-led governan

For Connor Crowe, an apprenticeship is a milestone, not a finish line

March 24, 2026

Connor Crowe completed his plastics apprenticeship and continued into leadership training, building both technical and team skills.

Coaching on the Job: Supporting employers to grow the next generation of skilled tradespeople

March 13, 2026

Competenz Train the Trainer Workshops equip workplace trainers with practical coaching tools, boosting confidence and helping apprentices and business

Binding the future: Wellington bookbinder trains the next generation

March 9, 2026

From holiday job to apprenticeship, Tiffany Tucker is helping keep the traditional craft of hand bookbinding alive in Wellington.

Christchurch apprentice graduate soars to the edge of New Zealand’s space future

February 11, 2026

A young Canterbury engineer reflects on seeing her work take flight with Dawn Aerospace’s spaceplane

Meet NZ’s most valuable coach: the trades mentor setting a new benchmark for apprentices

December 15, 2025

The trades mentor setting a new benchmark for apprentices

Moving forward together: Competenz deepens support for learners and employers

December 8, 2025

A major driver of progress has been the continued strengthening of our Learner Support Framework

Wired for success: Re-engineering apprenticeships to power New Zealand’s workforce

November 20, 2025

A strengthened apprenticeship support system is driving higher completion rates across engineering and manufacturing.

Forging skills, building loyalty: How Pacific Steel invests in apprentices

November 17, 2025

At Pacific Steel, apprenticeships aren’t just about technical skills – they’re about building people, careers, and loyalty.

Commitment, curiosity and courage earn national recognition for New Zealand’s top fire apprentices

November 10, 2025

Hamilton-based Fire Technician Jithin Jose of Simply Fire Ltd has been named New Zealand Fire Learner of the Year 2024.

Drawing a future: Competenz study groups bring technical skills to life for apprentices

November 3, 2025

Drawing is more than lines on paper — it’s a language of its own.

From tinkering to triumph: Emerging talent shines at the Stuart Tolhurst Memorial Award dinner

October 28, 2025

Papakura’s Amanpreet Singh has turned his childhood passion into an award-winning career.

Raising the bar: Global Fire champions skills training across the fire protection sector

October 24, 2025

Global Fire is celebrating 12 team members who have completed their New Zealand Certificate in Passive Fire Protection Installation (Level 3).

Coaching on the job: Tools for trainers building the next generation

October 20, 2025

Every apprentice remembers their journey from novice to tradesperson and the individuals that had an impact along the way.

Building confidence and capability

October 19, 2025

How collaborative support helped one apprentice thrive

Competenz searches for gamechanging coach

October 10, 2025

Entries are now open for the Competenz Most Valuable Coach (MVC) award — a brand-new nationwide search to honour NZ's workplace legends.

The power of partnership

October 8, 2025

In engineering and manufacturing, nothing happens in isolation.

Celebrating Success at Competenz Graduation

September 25, 2025

On 18 September, Competenz hosted our first Graduation Ceremony at Sorrento in the Park, Auckland.

Signs of the times

September 2, 2025

Behind every sign is a skilled tradesperson – someone who can design, fabricate, print, and install with care and precision.

From fishing boats to naval ships - Titan Marine Engineering sets a new standard in apprentice training

July 29, 2025

Titan Marine Engineering is combating skilled labour shortages by investing in young people, hands-on training, and a supportive workplace culture.

Christchurch’s Brad Smith named top apprentice at prestigious Pride In Print Awards

July 9, 2025

Islington local Brad Smith has been named BJ Ball Apprentice of the Year at the prestigious 2025 Pride In Print Awards.

Jones & Sandford apprentice shines a light on female talent in the trades

June 30, 2025

At just 23 years old, Olivia Grogan is proving that with the right mindset and the right training, anything is possible.

The Canterbury engineering business with trained staff who never want to leave

June 13, 2025

An unwavering commitment to upskilling its people has helped keep tool maker Sutton Tools (NZ) out in front despite a string of setbacks

Meet the next generation: CoSell's deep investment in apprentices

June 4, 2025

The future of the RAC industry is in good hands with independently-owned refrigeration business CoSell.

Pact Packaging NZ leads the way in workplace learning and development

May 21, 2025

Pioneering manufacturing business Pact Packaging NZ has been named 2025 Plastics Training Company of the Year.

Train with Confidence – It’s BAU with Competenz

May 20, 2025

At Competenz, we’re here to keep you moving forward.

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