Cantabrians Recognised for Commitment to Industry Training

Cantabrians Recognised for Outstanding Commitment to Industry Training

Two Cantabrians have been nationally recognised for making a difference in their workplaces and supporting the success of the next generation of aviation professionals.

Chris Perkins has helped secondary school students take their first steps into careers as pilots, while Rowan Garner has supported and mentored more than 100 trainees to complete training in aeronautical engineering.

Both of these Christchurch-based aviation professionals were acknowledged with national ATTTO Training Ambassador Awards at the Aviation Industry Association Annual Awards in Wellington on Friday 8 July.

Elizabeth Valentine, ATTTO Chief Executive, says they were chosen as this year’s award winners because of the contribution they have made in their workplaces, to the trainees they’ve supported and to the wider aviation industry.

Chris Perkins is a flying instructor at the Canterbuy Aero Club and its International Aviation Academy. He has been an active supporter of and advocate for ATTTO’s Aviation Gateway flying programme. Last year he saw 13 students gain flying experience and aviation unit standards through the programme, with a further 13 scheduled to participate this year.

His involvement enables Canterbury school students to get a taste of their dream career and find out if they are suited to careers as pilots.

“Chris played a pivotal role in getting this programme off the ground at Canterbury Aero Club. He has been an advocate for the programme within the club. Two of his students have already gone on to be accepted to train for their full Commercial Pilot’s Licences” says Ms Valentine.

Rowan Garner is an aeronautical engineer for Air New Zealand Technical Operations in Christchurch, as well as a mentor and assessor for on-the-job training.

“Rowan’s love for his work flows through to the trainees he mentors and supports,” says Ms Valentine. “He is dedicated to ensuring trainees complete their qualifications.”

“Rowan is the kind of workplace mentor that makes industry training such a valuable model for industries. He works alongside his engineering trainees to pass on his knowledge and skills, and help them achieve practical vocational qualifications that will set them up for their future careers.”

Air New Zealand Technical Operations has around 110 trainees in Christchurch who are currently working towards ATTTO aviation qualifications. ATTTO works with more than 250 aviation, tourism, travel and museums workplaces across the country to help upskill staff on-the-job and boost productivity.

ENDS

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