Competenz

When times get tough, many businesses hit pause on training. Cambridge-based Treadlite did the opposite.

As New Zealand's only tyre recycler manufacturing rubber products for the domestic market, Treadlite turns thousands of end-of-life tyres into recycled rubber for playgrounds, sports fields and horse arenas. And they're applying that same long-term, second-life thinking to their people.

Through our manufacturing programmes, six of Treadlite's team are now working towards the New Zealand Certificate in Manufacturing, building the skills and confidence to become the leaders of tomorrow. One of them, Terrence Mohetaue, laughed when he was first approached, thinking he was "too old to be learning stuff now." Today he's completed Level 2, progressed into Level 3, and is mentoring the next intake, applying what he's learned to redesign processes and reinforce safer ways of working at their new facility.

As HR Manager Katie Hannah puts it: "It's easy to think you can't afford training during challenging times, but recruitment is expensive too. If we can keep our people, keep them engaged and give them opportunities to grow, that's a much better investment."

That's what a genuine learning culture looks like. Competenz is proud to partner with Treadlite on the journey.

Read the full story here: https://www.competenz.org.nz/news/if-we-couldnt-spend-more-money-we-could-spend-more-time

🚨 Job Alert: Engineering Apprentice-Fitter 🚨

📍 Auckland

Kickstart your career in engineering with this hands-on apprenticeship opportunity. Work alongside experienced professionals, build practical skills, and earn while you learn.

🔹Learn on the job with industry experts
🔹Gain a nationally recognised qualification
🔹Be part of a supportive team environment
🔹Gain experience in reactive maintenance, plant reliability, safety focused work, reliability-centred maintenance, planned maintenance and working with operators and shift technicians.

What’s in it for you?
✔ Earn while you learn
✔ Structured training and career progression
✔ Work alongside an experienced mentor to gain experience and skills towards your qualification
✔ Join a well-established organisation with a welcoming and inclusive culture

🕗 Full-time role

🔗 Click the link below to learn more and apply today.
https://www.competenz.org.nz/job-listings

From leaving school at 16 to help support her family, to leading a team of 13 as a Production Supervisor — Lexiga Pritchard's journey is one to celebrate.

The Papatoetoe local has been named one of six recipients nationwide of the 2026 Bunnings Warehouse New Zealand -Women in Apprenticeships Award, recognised for her technical skill, leadership, and determination while completing her New Zealand Certificate in Light Fabrication with Competenz.

Lexiga's path wasn't a straight line. A pre-trade mechanical engineering programme opened a door she'd never considered, and she hasn't looked back since.

"My apprenticeship has given me opportunities I never imagined, and I hope my story shows other young people that there are so many different pathways to build a career you love."

Congratulations, Lexiga — we're proud to have you as part of the Competenz whānau.

Read more at the link below:
https://www.competenz.org.nz/news/a-different-path-to-success-earns-national-apprenticeship-honour

Our team headed down to the Top of the South Wood Council Forestry Awards at the end of July, joining the forestry community from across Marlborough, Nelson and Tasman to celebrate a year of hard work and achievement.

Competenz Regional Manager Forestry Hannah Unsworth had the pleasure of presenting the Apprentice of the Year award to Keegan Fox from Moir Logging Company.

Keegan's win highlighted how he's grabbed every opportunity to learn and grow, progressing straight from his Forest Harvesting Operations apprenticeship into Mechanised Felling. He's known for his versatility on the skid, falling and machinery, and for the focus on safety and crew culture he brings to the job every day.

Congratulations to Keegan on your well-deserved win, and to everyone who took home an award. 🙌

A big congratulations to Mike Lock from Gavin Lowe Energy Christchurch, who was the winner of the $500 ToolShed voucher from the HVAC&R Hub.👏

National Manager Apprenticeships, Kevin Withell, stopped by Gavin's workplace to present the voucher last week.

Thanks to The ToolShed for helping make this giveaway possible, and congratulations again to Mike.

Precision, people and purpose –
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare named Plastics Training Company of the Year. 👏

Behind every precision-moulded medical component manufactured by Fisher & Paykel Healthcare is an equally important investment - the people whose skills ensure every product meets the highest standards of quality and care.

That commitment to workplace learning has seen the Auckland-based medical device manufacturer named 2025 Plastics Training Company of the Year, recognising its investment in developing highly skilled technicians through structured workplace learning with Competenz.

To read this story, visit the link below:
https://www.competenz.org.nz/news/precision-people-and-purpose---fisher-paykel-healthcare-named-plastics-training-company-of-the-year

Building strong foundations for success

Strong literacy and numeracy skills are the foundation of every successful apprenticeship.

That’s why Competenz has partnered with a network of specialist providers and tutors to help apprentices strengthen their language, literacy, and numeracy skills throughout their training.

Whether it’s understanding technical materials, completing assessments, or building confidence in written and numerical tasks, this additional support helps learners stay on track and achieve their qualifications.

It’s all part of creating the right environment for apprentices to succeed — both on the job and in their learning.

Learn more about the support available:

https://bit.ly/4ro6OY7?utm_name=sked&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=sked_69ae2ce16a4516887a323992

Saturday morning saw 22 apprentices — almost double last year's competitors — go head-to-head at the IRHACE Wallie Askew Memorial Work Skills Competition.

Apprentices were tested across four elements: pipework, emissions, electrical, and theory. The top two placegetters will compete at the National Finals in Palmerston North this October.

Jonathan Newsome from Competenz said it was fantastic to see the turnout and enthusiasm on show: "Events like this are about more than just competition. They're an opportunity for apprentices to learn from one another, build confidence, and connect with others in the industry."

Two more regional challenges are coming up:
📍 Central Region Challenge – August 8, Palmerston North
📍 Southern Region Challenge – August 15, Christchurch

Head to www.hvacrcentre.nz/competitions/ to learn more.
Steelfort

From teenage gaming to programming automation robots and helping to create operating guides for multi-million-dollar machinery, curiosity has transformed the career of this year’s New Zealand's Plastics Learner of the Year, Joshua Felise-Anderson.

To find out more about Joshua and his journey, read the full story below:
https://www.competenz.org.nz/news/curiosity-drives-new-zealands-plastics-industrys-rising-stars