Workers' 'back to school' success

A group of Golden Bay Cement workers have gained qualifications in a programme their bosses say lifts the bar on teamwork, industry standards and company pride.

Eighteen of the Portland company's quarry workers have completed level 2 and 3 New Zealand Qualifications Authority national certificates in relevant industry training - achievements that will be honoured at a presentation on Friday.

"It may sound easy but the majority of employees are in the 40-plus year-old bracket. I thank them for having the courage to, in their own words, 'go back to school'," quarry manager Richard Frost said.

Two quarry team leaders also took part in the scheme. "We wanted to show visible leadership, that this was important to us."

The workers studied topics covering health and safety, environmental considerations, operation of mobile plant; such as dump trucks, loaders and excavators, and fixed plant; such as crushers.

There will be 39 certificates handed out in recognition of the work the employees have put in over a four-year period.

Mr Frost said the training was not an industry requirement, "but a great starting point for those wanting a career in the extractive industry". Previously, the chance to gain similar qualifications had been "sporadic", with only employees who wanted to obtain their quarry manager's tickets going through the training.

"We made a decision to make this available to all," Mr Frost said.

The process had inspired some workers to aim higher, with some choosing to go on to gain a B-grade quarry manager's ticket.

"Twice a year, in our quieter periods, we brought in a trainer to work with the guys through their unit standards. This meant the group had to work as a team as, to maintain production, we had to rotate them. They also had to help each other as, in all teams, some have particular strengths and weaknesses," Mr Frost said.

Golden Bay employs 18 people in its two quarries, with a total staff of just over 200.

Mr Frost said that as well as being proud of the workers' achievements, the NZQA success reflected a company-wide commitment to being a good neighbour. "Our people are also a part of the community and it is our goal that everyone goes home safe every day. By training our guys we are trying to put a concrete foundation in place so that we can improve in everything that we do," Mr Frost said.