First graduates from largest on-the-job training

First graduates from nation’s largest on-the-job training programme – 800 trainees

Downer EDI Works today announced the graduation of 20 industry trainees in the nation’s single largest on-the-job training initiative, “TeamWorks” designed to improve leadership and productivity. 

The graduates representing Downer EDI Works branches and 800 TeamWorks participants from across the country will receive their Level 2 national certificate in Civil Infrastructure from Prime Minister, Rt Hon Helen Clark at the Hutt Golf Course clubrooms at 1.30 PM, Wednesday 26 September 2007.

“The programme – TeamWorks – is a major investment in our people. We are delivering it with support and funding from InfraTrain, an Industry Training Organisation and the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC),” Downer EDI Works Chief Operating Officer Peter Reidy said.

“New Zealand’s infrastructural needs are growing and we need to increase productivity to deliver more in a tight employment market.

“To meet that challenge, one of our strategies is ensuring our people have the foundation skills and leadership and communications skills in the frontline.

“We are supporting our people to be leaders in the work environment, in the communities where they live and in their families and whanau,” Mr Reidy said.

“We are delighted to have the support of InfraTrain and TEC who understood the difference TeamWorks can make to the competitiveness of our people and the infrastructure industry.

“We expect TeamWorks to improve staff retention and increase our ability to win business.”

TeamWorks is the largest on-job training programme supported by InfraTrain and TEC. 

Each of the 800 TeamWorks participants undertake four days of training over six weeks and are supported by local management to develop their skills.  Additional support is being provided through the Upskilling Program Office of the Department of Labour who are providing research and evaluation of the training outcomes for individuals and for the business.

Downer EDI Works is a leading New Zealand infrastructure provider delivering engineering solutions in the transport, utility and water/wastewater sectors.  The company employs more than 2,400 New Zealanders with sales in excess of NZ$700 million.  The company has significant representation in almost every New Zealand community. Downer EDI Works is part of the Downer EDI Group, one of Australasia's largest listed engineering and infrastructure services companies.

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