Personal benefits of workplace training

Operations Manager of Allied Laundry in Palmerston North, Paora Te Oka, describes the difference he has seen in the men and women who have undertaken various programmes at the plant over the last few years – except in 2020 when Covid put a stop to all training.

He recounts how one wahine’s  literacy goal for the programme was to be able to read a bedtime story to her mokopuna. 

“If that’s all someone gets out of the programme, then it has still been worthwhile,” says Te Oka. 

However, most learners get so much more from workplace training. Once the apprehension and anxiety about stepping outside of their comfort zone has been eased, then the ‘fun’ begins.

This year, when Covid reared its head again in New Zealand, Allied Laundry did not let the virus prevent them from continuing its Introduction to Team Leadership programme. As soon as the rest of the country went into Level Three lockdown, the team of learners all met in the boardroom and connected to Zoom (a first for many) and continued working with tutor,  Maureen Hamahona, who was sitting in her office down the road. 

Hamahona usually trains face to face at Allied, once a week. Te Oka says everyone found the experience positive, and both he and the tutor were very proud of the learners who adapted so quickly to the situation.

Te Oka owes much of the success with workplace training at Allied, to Education Unlimited and the tutors who “really get to know our company and our staff”.

He recommends training to other employers because of the genuine benefits – which can include increased productivity, safety, and loyalty. As well as the benefits to home life too.