News‍

Plastics industry rising stars honoured at Plastics NZ Awards

May 19, 2025

Competenz Plastics Apprentice of the Year Rajeneel Kumar and Trainee of the Year Faleono (Junior) Esekia are making their mark on the industry.

HVAC and RAC apprentices embrace a trade fit for the future

May 15, 2025

Economech Maintenance Ltd goes above and beyond to support its apprentices, and apprentices Sioeli Puleiku and Nick Kelly are testament to that.

Why mechanical engineering matters

April 17, 2025

In a world built on innovation, problem-solving, and precision, mechanical engineering is the quiet force behind the scenes.

On the job: Training Advisor Todd Billing

April 14, 2025

Training Advisor Todd Billing's passion for people fuels his work supporting apprentices and employers across the central lower North Island.

Workforce Development: The secret weapon to staying ahead in tough economies

April 7, 2025

For Convex, investing in training during uncertain times isn’t just a strategy—it’s a long term strategy that continues to deliver results.

Pact and Competenz partnership bridging skills gap

March 17, 2025

A new pilot training programme developed by Pact Packaging NZ and Competenz is introducing an innovative approach for work-based training.

Bright future ahead for female engineering apprentice

March 6, 2025

When Paris McCann first stepped through the doors of Buckley Systems Ltd, she never dreamed she would become an apprentice

Competenz Strategic Advisory Board (SAB) Announcement

March 3, 2025

We are excited to announce the Competenz Strategic Advisory Board (SAB) has now been finalised, with all members confirmed.

Engineering trades - the 'visible invisible' career pathways

March 3, 2025

Often dubbed our “most visible, invisible industry," engineering trades offer diverse career opportunities, but are often overlooked.

Embracing Industry 4.0

February 28, 2025

The world of work is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Industry 4.0—the fourth industrial revolution—is reshaping industries.

Forging ahead in the fabrication sector

February 20, 2025

Celebrating double apprenticeship success at JP Engineering Services

Four reasons to upskill in 2025

February 11, 2025

As we head into 2025, businesses are facing a tough landscape

From sign language to signmaking

January 29, 2025

Meet the Cantabrian breaking down barriers, one sign at a time.

On The Job: Training Advisor John Terry

January 6, 2025

Times were tough back then, and John learnt quickly not to waste opportunities in life.

Mangere East mechanical apprentice claims double victory at prestigious NZPI awards night

November 21, 2024

Mechanical apprentice Mike Vitale takes out not just one, but two top accolades at New Zealand Steel’s annual New Zealand and Pacific Islands awards.

Two-time Apprentice turns Competenz Forestry Account Manager

November 18, 2024

At 17, Nick Moore left school for his first job at a local bakery.

Taranaki engineering apprentice says his farm fix-it skills helped him trump in Lyon

November 6, 2024

Jack Butler excels at prestigious global trade skills competition.

New Zealand Fire Learner of the Year: Johnson Control's Double Act

November 5, 2024

Toni Couchman and Daniel Hayes’ careers are on fire!

Waikato apprentice takes out Stuart Tolhurst Cup

October 30, 2024

Zander Pringle earns the prestigious Stuart Tolhurst Memorial Award for 2024.

Training the icing on the cake for Rangiora baker

October 16, 2024

She’s been baking for decades, but completing her apprenticeship is the icing on the cake for Rangiora Bakery’s Sue Brocherie.

Driving innovation and growth through apprenticeship training

October 11, 2024

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning apprentice Cody Smith loves nothing more than fixing stuff.

From tools to mentorship

September 27, 2024

At just 15 years old, Richard (Richie) Werahiko started his part-time job at Patchell Industries in Rotorua.

From the concrete jungle to forest trails

September 24, 2024

When Jess Winikerei moved to Sydney in her teenage years, her path seemed destined for the urban hustle.

Breaking barriers - women redefining signmaking

September 17, 2024

One day she’s welding aluminium light boxes in the workshop, and the next, she’s in the city applying giant window decals.

How a trades career can open doors to the world

September 11, 2024

For David McIntyre, an apprenticeship was not just a stepping stone to a stable career—it was a gateway to a world of opportunities.

A different kind of classroom: How education fuels forestry's future

September 6, 2024

After many years in the teaching field, Patrick (Paddy) Aislabie’s career branched out in an unexpected direction.

From apprentice to advisor

August 6, 2024

Luke Van den Bos has a remarkable track record, having completed two apprenticeships

The new age of signmaking

July 30, 2024

At the heart of modern signmaking company Big Ideas, stands Director Ross Hall, an industry veteran

Hot off the printing press

July 18, 2024

Levi Lindsey wins Print Industry Apprentice of the Year

Marley NZ: Fostering the next generations of leading lights

July 5, 2024

An unwavering commitment to upskilling its people has earned pioneering plastics manufacturer Marley NZ the 2023 Plastics Training Company

Ten questions with Training Advisor Courtney Clapham

June 24, 2024

Palmerston North Training Advisor Courtney Clapham knows what it takes to be a successful mechanical engineering apprentice.

Industry collaboration: the key to forestry success