This month we look at training, which is in the news due to both the current integration of MITO into the new Te Pūkenga structure which incorporates MITO, BCITO, Competenz and Connexis, and because of the staff shortages challenging the industry now and in the future.

Te Pūkenga’s Warwick Quinn writes an interesting piece looking at the significant demographic challenges facing vocational training, with a reducing number of school leavers as a percentage of the population, which gets worse from 2023 onwards.

Fortunately, he also offers some solutions, but with the current model of workplace training, which is focussing on work based and work-integrated learning to produce the number of skilled employees the industry needs going forward, there needs to be strong support and engagement from employers to take on these learners in their workplaces.

If employers don’t step up, the current musical chairs of employees moving from one job to another without actually improving the overall workforce will only be exacerbated.

Whilst training new employees is important it is also critical not to forget to keep upskilling your current team, including yourself. This includes ongoing technical training around the new technology that is coming out in vehicles such as ADAS systems, EV, PHEV and hybrids and much more. As well as the technical aspects, you also need to keep up with the business side, new rules and regulations, health and safety updates and software changes, plus keeping on top of all the new digital opportunities to promote your business and improve customer engagement.

Motor Equipment News looks to assist here with our regular Business Torque column from our sister title NZBusiness – this month Richard Conway of Pure SEO covers how to fine-tune your website’s performance.