The NZ Marine & Composites Industry Training Organisation (NZ MAC ITO) saw another large group of 81 young apprentices graduate recently, with a number of those receiving their qualification at a graduation dinner held at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.
Graduates attended the evening to collect their qualifications and awards, ranging from certificates in alloy boat building, composites, rigging and painting to marine retail and systems engineering.
NZ Marine & Composites Industry Training Organisation general manager, Chris van der Hor, said the apprentices are instrumental in the growth of the local industry.
“These young apprentices are an essential part of not only the New Zealand workforce, but the industry. Out of the eleven different industry training organisations in New Zealand, the NZ MAC ITO achieved the second highest completion rate ” he said.
“The structured training means the apprentices are trained to the highest standard and we’ve seen many apprentices go on to great things around New Zealand, and the world. The NZ MAC ITO program continues to grow and we can report that 64% of graduates from 2014 reported back that the ITO training program exceeded their expectations.
“The ‘hands on’ practical experience these people gain from their involvement in the industry, coupled with theory training from NZ Marine & Composites ITO’s training resources and providers make for a well-rounded competent achiever in the New Zealand marine industry.”
The New Zealand marine and composites industry, which is forecast to double in size over the next 10 to 15 years, is already one of New Zealand’s largest manufacturing industries with close to $2 billion in sales, employing over 10,000 people and has over 160 employers employing almost 400 apprentices.
