Auckland manufacturer Buckley Systems is using nationally recognised qualifications to formally recognise existing employee capability while creating pathways for further development.
The manufacturer produces particle accelerator technology used in cancer treatment, semiconductor manufacturing and scientific research, and has around 550 employees and contractors.
Around 30 employees are currently undertaking Competenz-supported programmes across the business, including the New Zealand Certificate in Manufacturing (Level 2), New Zealand Certificate in Distribution (Level 3), New Zealand Certificate in Business (First Line Management-Level 3), and Lean Competitive Systems and Processes qualifications.
Assembly technician Maika (Mike) McMath, 50, recently completed the New Zealand Certificate in Manufacturing (Level 2), formalising skills developed during six years with the company.
“I feel absolutely at home here,” says McMath. “I’m valued here as an employee. The company wants to invest in my future. I feel like I have found my forever job.”
McMath has previously worked in hospitality, laid carpet and completed several IT qualifications. He says much of the manufacturing qualification involved comparing nationally recognised practices with work already being carried out on the workshop floor.
“The questions were mostly based on what we were already doing. It was more comparing what we do with what’s in the book rather than copying and pasting answers.”
McMath’s work includes assembling complex components used within Buckley Systems’ electromagnets, with each assembly taking around an hour once preparation has been completed.
“It’s making sure everything is in its right place, functioning appropriately, everything’s labelled correctly and everything is assembled in the correct process,” he says.
Learning and development business partner Lewis Peart says nationally recognised qualifications provide formal recognition of existing workplace experience.
“For most of it, especially at this level, it’s really about qualifying the things people already know and the things they’re already doing, and making sure they’re recognised to an industry standard,” says Peart.
“They get a qualification they can be proud of, and we can demonstrate to our customers that we’ve got qualified people carrying out the work. It’s a win-win.”
Competenz account manager Debs Wand says the partnership has expanded as additional opportunities for workplace learning have been identified across the business.
“The Learning and Development team has built strong relationships across the organisation and is continually seeking opportunities to recognise and reward staff through learning and development,” says Wand.
“As soon as Lewis became aware of our distribution qualifications, he engaged the warehouse manager and explored how the programme could support their team. That proactive approach reflects a genuine commitment to developing talent across all areas of the business.
“Many employees working in manufacturing environments may not have previously achieved a formal qualification, often having left school early or entered the workforce through practical experience. It’s important not to underestimate the sense of achievement, confidence and self-belief that gaining a workplace qualification can inspire – not only for the individual learner, but also among their colleagues.”
Peart says completing one qualification can lead employees towards further training.
“Someone completes Level 2, then decides they’d like to do an apprenticeship or another qualification. It opens up opportunities to keep developing.”
He says partnering with Competenz links internal training and experience with nationally recognised standards.
“We do a lot ourselves. But training is different because it ties what we’re doing back to nationally recognised standards. It gives the programmes extra structure and gives our people qualifications that are recognised beyond Buckley Systems.
“Competenz work-based training programmes are affordable and flexible. They allow us to recognise the capability people already have while continuing to build it.”
McMath says he is open to continuing his own training: “If the opportunity came up, I’d definitely look at doing Level 4.”