Southlnd, Otago wood industries congratulate grads

MEDIA RELEASE

From FITEC

2 pages

For immediate release

6 June 2008

Southland and Otago wood industries congratulate their 2007-2008 graduates tonight

Te Rangi Hansen is one of 60 graduates celebrating their achievements in the local wood industries tonight in Dunedin. It is the last of six ceremonies - held Whangerei, Rotorua, Napier, Nelson and Christchurch - over the past month.

They will be joined by more than 120 guests congratulating the trainees, who will graduate with an industry qualification. All of the trainees and Modern Apprentices have completed their study towards national certificates while working full time.

The event is sponsored by ACC and organised by FITEC (the industry training organisation for the forestry, wood manufacturing, furniture, biosecurity & credit management industries) to recognise the hard work, commitment and dedication to learning each individual has shown throughout the last year.

FITEC Chief Executive, Ian Boyd says, “Lifetime learning is important in all professions these days and the wood industries are no exception. Training builds confidence and adds significant value by improving industry productivity and individual capability.

“This year’s graduates are a great example of people who’ve chosen to increase their vocational knowledge and skills by committing to learning and becoming qualified.

“They are a wonderful mix of age and ethnicity. We will enjoy sharing their regional celebration with them and wish them well in their careers and any future training they undertake.”

Don Ramsay, ACC Programme Manager for Forestry says that ACC is proud to support training a safer forestry industry.

“ACC is delighted to join with FITEC in supporting and celebrating training achievements across the wood industries. The improved safety culture is something the industry can be proud of.”

Mr Ramsay said an investment in training helps to retain staff by enhancing career opportunities and making workers feel more valued. Experienced staff who have worked together for a period of time are also much less likely to be injured.

“A commitment to safety training is always beneficial to both employers and employees, and is fully supported by ACC.”

The celebrations are being held at Carisbrook (1st Floor Otago Lounge, Murrayfield Street, South Dunedin) with colleagues and employers from 20 companies – including Johnson Forestry Services, Independent Forestry Services, Dongwha Patina NZ Ltd, Gillion Logging and Chunky Contracting Ltd - cheering graduates on.

The Southland ceremony is the last of six regional graduations that have been held throughout New Zealand over the past month. Over 1000 trainees completed their national certificates in 2007.

ENDS

Background information about FITEC

FITEC is the industry training organisation (ITO) for:

• Forest establishment, silviculture and harvesting

• Sawmilling, solid wood processing, wood panels manufacturing, pulp and paper manufacturing and tissue converting

• Furniture

• Biosecurity

• Credit control and management

• FITEC helps more than 10,000 people each year gain the knowledge and skills they need for productive and rewarding careers.

We offer nationally recognised qualifications for the forestry, wood manufacturing, furniture, biosecurity and credit management industries.

Most of this training happens on the job as FITEC trainees (including modern apprentices) are usually employed within the industry and learn while they are earning wages or a salary.

FITEC programmes cater for industry employees from entry level right through to advanced technical trades and management. School leavers, graduates and even those making a career change can find a FITEC programme to suit them alongside their experienced industry colleagues.

In addition to facilitating training and assessment, FITEC’s Regional Training Advisors also help create company and individual training plans and mentor and support both employer and employee during the training.

FITEC was established under the Industry Training Act 1992, the Tertiary Education Reform Bill 2002 and the Industry Training (Amendment) Act 2002. It has offices in Auckland and Rotorua where most management and support staff work from.

Regional Training Advisors (RTAs) represent FITEC throughout New Zealand. RTAs support employers, trainees and Modern Apprentices to facilitate training and assessment and career progression.

FITEC also has a National Careers function which promotes our industries to schools and potential employees.

You can find out more about FITEC by visiting their website: www.fitec.org.nz

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