Competenz

Huge shoutout to our bakery apprentice Lianna MacFarlane at U-Bake in Timaru, who is heading into the 2026 Apprentice Pie Maker competition on June 10. 👏

Lianna took second place in 2024 with her mince and cheese pie and chicken and leek gourmet pie and now she's back with even more experience behind her. She's already qualified in bread baking, mid-way through her cake and biscuit strand, and has her sights set on completing her apprenticeship with the pastry strand.

Good luck, Lianna! 🥧

Read more below.
https://www.hospitalitybusiness.co.nz/timaru-apprentices-heat-up-competition-for-pie-glory/

Driving through, supporting your local learners and apprentices at a workshop near you. 🚗

Every week, our training advisors are out on the road across New Zealand visiting businesses, workshops, factories, and sites around the country.

We work alongside employers, learners, and apprentices to help keep training on track, build capability in the workplace, and support the skilled workforce our industries rely on.

See us out and about? Feel free to come and have a chat with us about apprenticeships, on-the-job learning, and how we can support your business.
We’re here to help.

Last month, we celebrated our South Island print graduates at the PrintNZ Graduation in Christchurch. 👏

The event was a chance to recognise the hard work and dedication of graduates, while also celebrating the trainers and companies who help make their success possible.

Congratulations to everyone on their achievements and commitment to developing their skills and careers in the print industry!

Next up is Pride in Print on Friday 26 June, where we'll celebrate the BJ Ball Apprentice of the Year, Trainer of the Year and Training Company of the Year 👀🏆

Katikati, Bay of Plenty (population 6,000) is a long way from the engineering epicentre of New Zealand, but at Puma Dart Products, advanced engineering and precision manufacturing are part of everyday operations.

A big congrats to Mechanical Engineering Apprentice Troy Ewart, who has successfully completed the New Zealand Apprenticeship in Fitting and Machining (Level 4).

His commitment to quality is reflected in the consistency and standard of his work. Working in an environment that utilises advanced processes such as CNC machining, laser etching, and the machining of high-performance materials like tungsten,

Troy’s development highlights the value of structured, on-job learning in a high-performance engineering environment, where precision and quality are non-negotiable.

Engineering and Global Marketing Manager, Connor Fafita commented:
“Troy has developed into a valued member of the Puma Darts team. We are very pleased with the support provided by Competenz and the outcomes achieved.”

Congrats, Troy, on this fantastic achievement, and shout-out to Training Advisor Peter Solia for supporting him along this journey!

🚨 Job Alert: Print Apprenticeship 🚨
📍 Gisborne

Are you interested in a career in print? This apprenticeship is your chance to learn on the job while gaining valuable skills in a trade that’s in high demand.

About the Employer 👀
We are a New Zealand market leader in the specialised field of printed in-mould labels (IML), supplying across Australasia and beyond.

What we're looking for:
📌1+ years of relevant experience
📌Ability to operate a variety of machines and presses
📌Experience with six or eight-colour presses is an advantage
📌Knowledge of IML and packaging is beneficial

What’s in it for you?
✅ Earn while you learn
✅ Pathway to a long-term trade career
✅Join a team that values growth, skill development, and quality

🕗 Full-time | 40 hours

🔗 Click the link below to learn more and apply today:
https://www.competenz.org.nz/jobs/printer-printer-apprenticeship

EMEX is almost here 👀

If you’re heading along to Auckland Showgrounds next week, make sure you stop by Stand 1033 and have a go at our claw machine prize giveaway — packed with Competenz merchandise and Chemz Ltd prizes.

While you’re there, chat with the team about apprenticeships and workforce training built around real workplaces.

📍 Auckland Showgrounds
📅 Tuesday 26 – Thursday 28 May

EMEX Chemz Ltd

What makes a great training partnership?

At Competenz, we know real success comes from strong partnerships.

Apprenticeship training works best when it’s a true three-way collaboration between:
✅ The employer
✅ The apprentice
✅ The Competenz training advisor

Together, we build skills, grow confidence, and shape successful careers.

With the right support at every step, employers see results, learners stay on track, and industries thrive.

Thinking about taking on an apprentice?

Now’s the time to partner with Competenz and invest in the future of your business.

🔗 Click below to find out more about how Competenz can help.

https://www.competenz.org.nz/employers?utm_name=sked&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=sked_69c0881f656cb3ad95c9c25b

Updated fire protection training is now available🔥

We've updated our New Zealand Certificates in Fire Protection to better reflect current industry practice. That means clearer learning, easier to follow assessments, and training that's built around real on-the-job work.

Whether you're starting out in the industry or looking to formalise your skills, there's a pathway for you.

Real skills. Recognised qualifications. Built for today's fire protection industry.

Head to the link below to get in touch
https://www.competenz.org.nz/industry/fire?utm_source=QR%2C+flyer%2C+poster%2C+event&utm_medium=offline&utm_campaign=fire+page&utm_id=flyer%2C+poster%2C+event

Job Alert: Sheet-Fed Offset Printer 🚨
📍 Gisborne

Looking to build a career in the print industry? This hands-on opportunity is ideal for someone with a keen eye for detail, a practical mindset, and a passion for print production.

Work alongside experienced professionals, develop specialist printing skills, and grow your career in a fast-paced production environment.

🔹 Learn on the job with industry experts
🔹 Gain valuable industry experience
🔹 Work with advanced printing equipment and technology
🔹 Be part of a supportive and skilled team environment

What’s in it for you?
✔ Earn while you learn
✔ Structured training and career progression
✔ Build practical skills in sheet-fed offset printing
✔ Long-term career opportunities in the print industry

🕗 Full-time role

🔗 Click the link to learn more and apply today:
https://www.competenz.org.nz/jobs/sheet-fed-offset-printers

A big congratulations to Anne Zablocka and Gillian Buik-Constable for completing their New Zealand Certificate in Furniture (Level 4) with a strand in Upholstery. 🙌

This is a phenomenal achievement that takes a great deal of determination and hard work.

We wish you and your business every success in the future!