Last month, ATA New Zealand partnered with MAST Academy to deliver a Workshop Trainer Course in Hawke’s Bay, bringing together a diverse group of professionals from across the industrial textiles, marine, and composites sectors. It was a fantastic opportunity to strengthen workplace training capability across industries that rely heavily on hands-on learning, skilled mentoring, and the transfer of practical knowledge.

The course focused on giving attendees the tools and confidence to become better workplace trainers—people who can coach apprentices effectively, support them through their learning journey, and help build the next generation of makers, fabricators, and tradespeople.

Training That Goes Beyond the Classroom
While the workshop itself delivered plenty of valuable insights, the learning doesn’t end there.
Each attendee now has post-course work to complete with one of their apprentices in order to become fully certified.

This practical application ensures that the training translates directly into improved workplace mentoring.

Once certified, participants will continue their development through ongoing learning with MAST, ensuring they remain supported as workplace trainers and leaders within their businesses.

Expanding Learning Opportunities in 2026
MAST Academy has signaled an exciting direction for 2026, with plans to deliver courses throughout the regions with a wider range of events and programmes to support trainers, mentors, and leaders across all industries they serve.

Planned opportunities include:

• Workplace Trainer Toolkit (After-5 Event) – A short, practical upskilling session designed to help trainers refresh their tools, connect with peers, and gain quick, actionable strategies.
• Learning to Lead – 6-Month Programme – A structured leadership journey with one tutor-led day per month, leading to a formal qualification. Ideal for emerging leaders stepping into supervisory roles.
• Project Management – 18-Month Programme – A comprehensive programme featuring 16 tutor-led sessions (mostly two-day blocks), supporting participants to develop project planning, coordination, budgeting, and leadership capability.

These opportunities will be open to all sectors -creating a valuable space for cross-pollination between marine, composites, and industrial textiles businesses. Once these events receive approval, more information will be released.

Strengthening Industry Through Better Training
The success of the Hawke’s Bay Workshop Trainer Course highlights the appetite for professional development within our sector. As more businesses invest in structured training, leadership development, and high-quality learning experiences, our industries grow stronger, safer, and better equipped to support apprentices.

ATA New Zealand looks forward to continuing this collaboration with MAST Academy throughout 2026 and ensuring members have access to tools, training, and opportunities that help build capability across the entire workforce.