A double celebration for dipping

A double celebration for dipping

Nine staff at Perry Metal Protection Hamilton have completed a ‘double dip’ in their training by achieving both the National Certificate in Hot Dip Galvanizing (Introductory Skills) Level 2 and a Limited Credit Programme (LCP) in Hot Dip Galvanizing. The National Qualifications were presented today in a ceremony at the Perry Metal Protection Hamilton site by Hamilton West National MP, Tim Macindoe. The presentation was attended by colleagues, Managers from other Perry Metal Protection sites and the Extractive Industries Training Organisation (EXITO), the standard setting body for on-job training in the Hot Dip Galvanizing sector.

Staff that achieved the two National Qualifications are Phillip Bowen, Bruce Keepa, Joe Latu, Tu Mahutariki, Sonny Rau, Lyle Rikihana, Mike Spencer and Adrian Stimpson. Reuben Lange also achieved the two qualifications but has since moved on from Perry Metal Protection.

“Prior to today’s presentation, only two other National Certificates in Hot Dip Galvanizing had been presented. So for nine to be achieved in one go is a great achievement for everyone involved at Perry Metal Protection. It’s also positive for the Hot Dip Galvanizing industry that they are recognising the achievement, professionalism and value these qualifications bring to their operations and staff” said Peter Fowler, EXITO Industry Manager for Resources.

”Perry Workplace Assessor Craig Bramley has worked to assess these staff with the guidance of EXITO, and has been a critical player in getting these guys through” he said.

National MP, Tim Macindoe applauded the trainees for taking up the challenge of new learning. As some recipients hadn’t done any learning since school he said it takes real courage to have another go at it. The achievement of these qualifications will help address the shortage of skilled workers in New Zealand, which has been identified by Prime Minister John Key as a major barrier to growing businesses and the economy.

Duane Baguley, Perry Metal Protection General Manager said the company was passionate about training and workplace experience. He was keen to impress on the recipients that even though they hadn’t gone to university or done an apprenticeship, they were now qualified in Hot Dip Galvanizing. He also hoped they would take up the opportunity to pursue higher level training with the support of Perry Metal Protection and EXITO.

Tu Mahutariki, a recipient, has been working in Hot Dip Galvanizing for years but was blown away to receive a certificate as recognition of his hard work. The qualification means that he can now walk onto any Hot Dip Galvanizing site and be aware of the hazards, and health and safety requirements. “With this qualification I can go anywhere” he said.

The National Certificate in Hot Dip Galvanizing (Introductory Skills) is part of a suite of qualifications that bring vital skills to the workforce and provide defined career pathways. By achieving this qualification the trainees have demonstrated they have the basic skills to work safely in a Hot Dip Galvanizing environment. The LCP is a smaller group of units designed to be more achievable so that trainees have a short term goal. Qualifications are achieved in the workplace through on-job training which means employees are learning while they are earning.

Perry Metal Protection operates sites in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch. The Perry Metal Protection Hamilton site is currently upgrading its facilities with a new plant set to be opened in January 2012. Hot Dip Galvanizing provides effective long term corrosion protection for steel and ferrous materials at a low cost compared to other protective coating options, and requires less maintenance.

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