Big Fish Group building up Industry Training
The Big Fish Group has welcomed another private training enterprise into its education portfolio. The purchase of ITAT
(Industry Training and Technology Ltd) recognises the importance and benefits of education and development in the
workplace.
ITAT, is a well-respected specialist training provider delivering customised programmes in the plastics general
manufacturing and engineering industries. The majority of trainees are currently working towards the National
Certificate in Competitive Manufacturing. ITAT also has accreditation for qualifications in a wide range of other
industries.
The acquisition of ITAT will enable Sadlers and ITAT to meet the needs of a greater number of New Zealand employers
engaging in relevant, industry focussed training programmes. General Manager of the Big Fish Group PTEs, Stephan Hauke
says the new acquisition is in response to the continued need to provide clients with an even wider portfolio of
complementing training programmes and services. “Our clients gain increased productivity from a more skilled and
confident workforce, and that brings measurable results.”
Delivering quality work place based training programmes has resulted in three of Sadlers’ clients entering the recent
Skills Highway category at the Equal Employment Opportunities EEO Awards. City Care, Hansells and Metal Skills were
recognised with City Care winning the category award. After implementing a pilot programme in 2010, City Care decided to
roll out the programme nationwide with Sadlers and three other training providers. City Care’s Human Resources Manager,
Adrian Watson said, “The Company’s return on investment is “ground-breaking”. The value of time saved by having a more
literate team adds up to $783,000 per 100 employees. Tallied up across the company, this amounts to more than $1.2
million each year.” Morale and motivation amongst employees also increased.
Stephan Hauke says that many organisations may be unaware of the increased literacy, language and numeracy demands of
their employees’ job roles. This pressure on core skills is can be addressed with contextualised training producing
dramatic improvements in results and efficiency.
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