Vertical Horizonz held the official opening of its new centre of excellence for access trades in Papakura recently.
At 4,000 square metres, the new centre will be one of the largest training facilities in the country. It will offer high-quality training for scaffold and roofing apprentices, as well as rope access and rigging learners, and will serve the broader workforce.
Vertical Horizonz CEO, Ben Johnstone, says the significant investment in the Papakura centre follows a dramatic increase in demand in Auckland for high-quality training.
"The decision to establish this state-of-the-art centre in Papakura was driven by the rapid growth and demand for skilled workers in Auckland. Our goal is to serve our learners and the industry better by providing a superior training environment that breaks down barriers and makes learning an exciting and fulfilling experience."
By 2028, Tāmaki Makaurau's workforce is projected to reach 1 million, representing an increase of approximately 7 percent from its current share of 33 percent of the nation's total workforce. Despite this growth, skills shortages have hindered economic progress in the region. Auckland's significant population growth in recent years has fuelled demand for new housing and infrastructure, a trend that is expected to persist and result in a continuous need for skilled workers in construction and related trades.
Marcus Bathan, Vertical Horizonz Chief Operations Officer, adds, "We have grown from 35,000 learners nationwide in 2020 to 55,000 in 2023 with expectations that 2024 will exceed this. This centre is a testament to our commitment to excellence. We’ve worked closely with trade associations and workforce TEC and strategic fund councils to ensure that this facility meets the highest standards and offers everything our learners need to succeed. From modern classrooms to specialised training areas, every aspect of this centre is designed with the learner in mind."
Addressing Rising Demand with Strategic Investment
Vertical Horizonz delivered face-to-face training to approximately 11,000 Auckland-based learners last year. This significant volume highlights one of the key factors in their decision to invest in the centre of excellence.
“The increase in demand for training is driven by several key factors,” confirms Marcus. “Industries will always need workers, and workers will always need training. The available information indicates that the consent pipeline is continually increasing, necessitating a larger workforce. For example, several industry bodies report an aging workforce, creating a need for qualified workers to replace those who are retiring.
“We consistently hear about worker shortages. In fact, seventy-two percent of construction businesses say that skills shortages are their biggest challenge. This trend is evident across all trades, and we’re committed to meeting these demands by providing high-quality training to ensure a continuous pipeline of skilled apprentices ready to enter the workforce.”
The investment in the new Papakura Training Centre is expected to have a substantial impact on building a skilled workforce and supporting economic growth across the Auckland region and beyond.
Committed to Inclusive Learning and Student Success
With the opening of the new centre of excellence, Vertical Horizonz aims to serve its learners better than ever before and surpass the current industry standards for training.
Overseen by the company’s learner success manager, Nicol Grindrod, Vertical Horizonz has enhanced its training environment by applying universal design learning principles to classroom design, ensuring that learners of all needs feel comfortable and can maximise their learning experience.
The centre features seven classrooms, a specialist confined space training area, elevated work platform training, and a digital classroom equipped with multiple devices and interactive tools. These resources enable learners to complete assessments, undertake learning, and submit evidence in various ways, ensuring accessibility for all.
Expanding Training Capabilities and Regional Reach
Vertical Horizonz has three training centres across Auckland – East Tamaki, Albany, and the new Papakura centre, which now replaces the centre in Takanini. Offering over 150 different training courses, including apprenticeships in scaffolding, rope access, rigging, and roofing, Vertical Horizonz continues to lead the industry in providing comprehensive and accessible training solutions.
"Papakura is an ideal location," says Marcus. "With South Auckland’s rapid development and easy access to the airport and motorway, we can serve a broader market. This centre will play a crucial role in building a skilled workforce that will drive economic growth in these regions."
With 16 training locations nationwide, the new Papakura centre represents the future of health and safety training in New Zealand, combining cutting-edge technology, comprehensive facilities, and a learner-centric approach to create a true centre of excellence for the access trades.
