Largest Group Of Graduates From Nations On-The-Job Training Programme
Downer EDI Works will tomorrow acknowledge the graduation of 45 Gisborne employees from the nation’s single largest
on-the-job training initiative, “TeamWorks” designed to improve leadership and productivity, and InfraTrain National
Certificate in General Introductory Skills Civil (NCGIS)
The graduates representing Downer EDI Works Gisborne branch will receive their Level 2 national certificate in Civil
Infrastructure from Derek Walker, the Downer EDI Works Gisborne Branch Manager at the Downer EDI Works Gisborne Branch
at 7:15am Friday 21 December 2007.
“The programme – Team Works – has been a major investment in our people, and our Gisborne branch has led the way with
almost all permanent frontline staff graduating. We have delivered it (Team Works) with support and funding from
InfraTrain, an Industry Training Organisation and the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC),” Downer EDI Works Chief
Operating Officer Cos Bruyn said.
Additional support was provided by the Upskilling Partnership Programme led by the Department of Labour, which provided
strategic advice as well as research and evaluation of the training outcomes for individuals and for the business.
“New Zealand’s infrastructural needs are growing and we need to increase productivity to deliver more in a tight full
employment market.
“To meet that challenge, one of our strategies is ensuring our people have the foundation skills and leadership and
communications skills in the frontline.
“After chatting with some of our graduates it’s clear that they will have a much greater confidence communicating not
only at work but at home with their families too. That will have a great impact on those communities,” Mr Bruyn said.
“We are delighted to have had the support of InfraTrain, TEC and the Upskilling Partnership Programme who understand the
difference Team Works and all training can make to the competitiveness of our people and the infrastructure industry.
“We expect the training to not only increase staff retention but increase our ability to win business.”
Team Works is the largest on-job training programme supported by InfraTrain and TEC to date. Each of Gisborne’s 45 Team
Works participants undertook four days of training over six weeks and was supported by local management to develop their
skills.
Downer EDI Works Limited (Works) is a leading New Zealand infrastructure provider delivering engineering solutions in
the transport and waste water sectors. Works employs more than 2,700 New Zealanders with sales in excess of NZ$700
million. Works has significant representation in almost every New Zealand community. Works is wholly-owned by Downer
EDI, one of Australia's largest engineering, infrastructure and resource services companies.
ENDS