CMITO announces merger with Competenz
The Communications and Media ITO is set to merge its operations with Competenz to combine expertise and secure the
future of formal workplace training in the print, packaging, journalism and signmaking industries.
The Minister of Tertiary Education formally approved the merger on 3 December 2013 and it will take place on 1 January
2014.
The merger follows the Ministry of Education’s Industry Training Review, and aligns with the Government’s view that
fewer, larger ITOs will create a more cohesive vocational education system.
CMITO is contacting all stakeholders, including training companies and learners, to inform them of the merger and to
confirm that all existing services offered by CMITO will continue. Learners and training companies will continue to be
visited by their current Training Advisors. There will be benefits from back-of-house efficiencies and the ability to
access Competenz’s growing e-learning platform.
In line with nationwide changes in industry training, CMITO Chairman Dan Blackbourn led a robust process to find the
best merger partner to secure the future of formal workplace training for the print, packaging, journalism and
signmaking industries.
Competenz was the Board’s clear choice for reasons including manufacturing leadership and success in delivering benefits
to employers and learners through previous merger activity.
Dan says: “By combining the strength of both organisations we are able to develop further opportunities that will
benefit trainees and businesses.”
Competenz Chairman Mike Simm says the merger makes strategic sense for both organisations and will mean more resources
dedicated to employers and learners.
“As a large, multi-sector ITO with scale and expertise in manufacturing, engineering, food & beverage and forestry skills development, Competenz brings the strength of our nationwide network of account managers
and customer service focus to the merger. By combining this with the great reputation and close relationships CMITO has
with the print, packaging, journalism and signmaking industries, the service and performance for workplace training is
greatly strengthened.”
The merger will be the fourth for Competenz since December 2012, after successfully integrating the Retail Meat ITO,
forestry training organisation (FITEC) and plastics and materials manufacturing ITO (PaMPITO) into its operation.
Mike Simm says: “Like CMITO, Competenz is committed to making New Zealand businesses more competitive, with skilled and
productive staff, and this merger forms an important part of that goal. We are looking forward to working alongside and
continuing the close relationships with those organisations and learners who have been well represented by CMITO in the
past.”
ENDS