CPIT to offer new trades qualification

Media Release - 29 January 2008

CPIT to offer new trades qualification

The Trades Innovation Institute at Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) is offering a new qualification, the National Certificate in Plastics Processing Technology Level 2.

The National Certificate in Plastics Processing Technology Level 2 will run for 22 weeks, providing students with skills and knowledge to begin a challenging career in the plastics industry.

Fiona Haynes, Dean of the Trades Innovation Institute, believes this is a good opportunity to address a skills shortage in the plastics industry.

"Christchurch is considered a significant centre of the plastics industry in New Zealand, and we are the only institution offering a professional qualification," she says.

The programme follows on from the National Certificate in Plastics Processing Technology Level 1 giving students the initial part of their industry qualification to help them on their pathway.

Upon completion of the programme students can expect to find jobs within the industry in New Zealand and abroad, as the qualification is recognised nationally and internationally.

"The plastics industry in New Zealand is innovative and is working with university researchers to develop wood based plastics that could revolutionise this field of manufacturing. We are fortunate that we can train students here where they can find work within the community, reinvigorating our local markets in this industry," says Haynes.

Plastics has several specialisations that students can go onto after completing their qualification such as, Injection Moulding, Extrusion, Blow Moulding, Thermoforming, Blown Film Extrusion, Film Conversion and Rotational Moulding.

The Plastics and Polymer Centre was developed to concentrate on training staff to fill the shortage of skills within the plastics industry, as local businesses approached CPIT to address the issue.

"This centre and the courses offered have evolved from the recognition that plastics make up a large percentage of modern items. We have the resources to meet the increasing demand for qualified employees as it is a growing industry," Haynes says.

People interested in applying for the qualification can find out more contacting CPIT at 0800 24 24 76 by visiting the website www.cpit.co.nz/schools/tii

ENDS

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