May 25, 2005

Media Release
Working together on training

New Zealand's first maintenance training facility - officially opened in Kawerau today – is an example of what unions and employers can do together, says the country’s largest union.

“I am delighted to be involved in this project,” said EPMU national secretary Andrew Little.

“It's a living example of a union and employers collaborating to fix a glaring gap in our skills and training offerings, that is dedicated and up-to-date maintenance training, from apprenticeship to the most advanced levels.”

MaintainNZ will provide maintenance training for the manufacturing and production sector, using a mix of professional teachers and experienced tradespeople as tutors.

The centre was set up after an agreement was reached between the EPMU, pulp and paper mill owner Norske Skog, Kawerau College and dairy company Fonterra. Other companies are now keen to be involved.

The EPMU providing seeding money for the project.

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