Fisher & Paykel Healthcare has been named 2025 Plastics Training Company of the Year, recognising its investment in developing skilled technicians through structured workplace learning.
Presented by Plastics New Zealand, the award recognises manufacturers for their commitment to developing people and building capability across New Zealand’s plastics industry.
Injection moulding plays a critical role in Fisher & Paykel Healthcare’s manufacturing process, producing high-precision components used across its respiratory therapies. Twelve members of the company’s 65-person technical team are currently completing the New Zealand Certificate in Plastic Processing – Injection Moulding, while a further 16 have completed Level 3 or Level 4 qualifications.
Site operations engineering manager Andy Ryan says workplace learning supports the company’s focus on quality, innovation and continuous improvement.
“Injection moulding of a wide range of high-precision components is a critical part of our manufacturing process, ensuring we consistently deliver safe, reliable, and high-quality products,” says Ryan.
Competenz provides a structured learning pathway designed to complement the practical experience employees gain on the factory floor.
“The Competenz team has created a structured development pathway that supports the growth of team members. They already gain excellent practical experience on the job, and this additional training helps build a more well-rounded understanding of the theory, concepts, and best practices that underpin their work.”
Learning at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare extends beyond formal qualifications, with experienced team members, including former apprentices, mentoring the next generation.
“It is important for two key reasons. First, it helps foster stronger social connections within and across teams, strengthening relationships and collaboration among team members. Second, it promotes a growth mindset across the organisation by encouraging curiosity, continuous learning, and knowledge sharing, enabling people to learn from colleagues with greater experience and expertise.”
Ryan says vocational learning can help people identify opportunities they may otherwise have overlooked.
“Learning enables people to identify opportunities for improvement that they may not have seen before. It fosters curiosity and motivates individuals to contribute proactively, benefiting both the long-term success of the business and the personal fulfilment of those involved in the work.”
He says the benefits of work-based training extend beyond developing technical capability.
“We believe it is important for individuals to be empowered to take ownership of their learning. This benefits both the individual and the business.”
Marley New Zealand, which won the Plastics Training Company of the Year award in 2023, was runner-up in this year’s awards.
Training manager Peter Sutcliffe says investing in learning continues to provide benefits for employees and employers.
“Everything that we do is about our people and our investment in the people. They’re learning and they’re growing and they’re able to contribute to the business as well, so everybody wins,” says Sutcliffe.
“For them, it’s their personal pride, the fact that they’re learning and growing. They’re taking certificates home to show their families what they’ve achieved. As a business, we just get the side effects of that – a really skilled, quality operator.”
Competenz training advisor Alan Smith says Fisher & Paykel Healthcare’s mentoring culture helped set the business apart.
“What is really great to see is former apprentices are now mentors, helping the next generation of learners through the process. They know what is required and the standard and are really helping those new learners progress,” Smith adds.