New Zealand launches Infrastructure Skills Centre

Jointly developed by Fulton Hogan, the Ministry of Social Development, Civil Contractors New Zealand, the Construction Accord and a range of civil construction employers, the Infrastructure Skills Centre aims to let New Zealanders learn about the many aspects of infrastructure and the skills that underpin the industry. 

Trainees are employed prior to the course and will be mentored by the companies they are employed by throughout their training. The first intake of 12 participants have started their six-week intensive programme in Christchurch, and there will be another intake in Auckland this October. 

The Centre aims to give trainees an experience that can set them up for a career in infrastructure, including an across-the-board appreciation of the various skills required in building, operating and maintaining infrastructure, said Fulton Hogan New Zealand chief executive Graeme Johnson. 

Each cohort of trainees will go through 22 practical hands-on sessions, 32 theory-based class sessions and six site visits – to Allied Concrete, Stahlton Precast, Miners Road Quarry near Christchurch, Fulton Hogan’s Canterbury laboratory, a civil construction site and an asphalt plant. The modules are facilitated by a team of 26 Fulton Hogan workplace instructors and subject matter experts. 

READ: New Zealand retail workers’ pay rises 6,1%

Trainees will learn skills ranging from effective communication to environmental awareness/management, health and safety, budgeting, time management, nutrition and mental health awareness through to concrete pouring and finishing, reading and interpreting plans, applying asphalt, traffic control and use of power tools, according to Voxy.