Tailored courses deliver benefits to industry and learners

18 August 2011

Otago Polytechnic’s work with industry sectors to upskill people and businesses has delivered results for Delta and eight of its Central Otago employees, with minimal disruption to working hours.

Delta put four team leaders and four supervisors through specifically tailored business courses to enhance their management skills while undertaking projects that make improvements to workplace efficiency.

The course was tailored by the Polytechnic to suit Delta and support the improved effectiveness of its Queenstown, Alexandra, Wanaka and Cromwell operations.

Over the 10-week course, the Delta employees learned how to apply managerial and supervisory theory to seven projects - three centred on creating efficiencies within the company, three on health and safety and one on operations.

Otago Polytechnic Central Otago Regional Manager Jean Tilleyshort said the course offered to Delta had relevance for many businesses and industries.

“Our focus is to deliver flexible education that benefits not only the learner but also the company. It’s about upskilling our people and our industries and delivering value to both,” she said.

“We specialise in flexible education delivery because we understand this region and its needs. People need to earn while they learn and they need to be able take a qualification away with them when they move on. And, companies need to benefit from paying for and supporting people while they train. To achieve this, we specifically tailor our courses so companies get real value in terms of project completion as well as the benefits of more highly skilled people.”

Delta Distribution Manager Richard Morris said the company’s aims in offering the course to its staff were to improve planning and organisation, people management and interpersonal communications, health and safety, hazard management and performance management.

“We are pleased with the results of the course. Investing in our people pays dividends both for their career development and for sharpening Delta’s business performance.

“I see great value in these practical learning opportunities being available to Delta employees throughout the organisation,” said Mr Morris.

The Delta staff have each achieved either a National Certificate in Business First Line Management (FLM) Level 3 or a National Certificate in Business (FLM) Level 4 qualifications which will be useful in any employment situation and can be built on with further study

ENDS