Utilitech's training strategies and staff were recently recognised with the company being named as ESITO 'Training provider of the year'.

Utilitech earned the accolade from the Electricity Supply Industry Training Organisation for its commitment to utilities training.

In the past year Utilitech has continued to expand its provision of training at sites away from its base in Henderson which are a radical shift from "trainees going to trainers". Utilitech trainers are now able to operate remotely from a range of locations across New Zealand, including client premises.

In accepting the award, Utilitech's general manager, Chris Jobson, said the accolade was a great honour and reflected the commitment Utilitech has put in to continuing to improve the standard of electrical training in New Zealand.

"We've continued to focus on ensuring that our trainers are among the best in New Zealand. As part of this commitment, the majority of our trainers have progressively achieved NCES level four in relation to their individual field of expertise. This further enhances their proficiency.

It also means that the training is not based solely on past experience; the trainers are very familiar with the latest work practices and training methods, something that's very important in upskilling New Zealand's utilities workers."

Mr Jobson says that the training centre is also focused on continually raising the bar in regards to industry training.

"We are committed to being the New Zealand utility industry's training provider of choice and are branching out in the wider utilities industry as we develop the expertise required. Utilitech is also committed to being not only a training provider to the electrical supply industry, but to serving the utilities industry as a whole."

Utilitech is a provider of quality training for people working in the utilities sector. Utilitech offers comprehensive NZQA-accredited courses in the practical skills needed to maintain gas and electricity networks. Courses are open to trainees from all companies and are held at the superbly equipped Utilitech training centre in Henderson, Auckland, or on site at workplaces around the country. For more information visit www.utilitech.co.nz