Industry specific training
DRAG
At Vertical Horizonz we can work with schools and students to deliver Industrial Safety, Health and Safety, First Aid, and Leadership training as part of our Youth and Careers training. These industry specific courses align with Vocational Pathways and provide students with real life industry skills.
Download our Youth & Careers Brochure here: Youth & Careers Brochure 2025
Courses on offer
Schools Workplace Health and Safety courses:
Schools Safety and Back Pain Injury Prevention
Purpose
Students will learn about the requirements of Health and Safety in the workplace in a way that builds trust, confidence, and promotes teamwork among pupils.
NZQA Unit Standards
| 30265 | Apply health and safety risk assessment to a job role (Level 3, 8 credits) |
| 17591 | Demonstrate knowledge of the prevention and management of DPI in the workplace (Level 3, 8 credits) |
Course Duration: 2 days (8hr day e.g. 8.30am - 4.30pm)
Attendance: Maximum 20 Students
Price: $3750 (+gst per group)
Delivery: On school premises, or at our nearest VHNZ training centre
Schools Hazard and Risk Assessment
Purpose
Students will learn about the requirements of Health and Safety in the workplace in a way that builds trust, confidence, and promotes teamwork among pupils.
NZQA Unit Standards
| 30265 | Apply health and safety risk assessment to a job role (Level 3, 8 credits) |
Course duration: 1 day (8hr day e.g. 8.30am - 4.30pm)
Attendance: Maximum 20 students
Price: $2300 (+gst per group)
Delivery: On school premises, or at our nearest VHNZ training centre
Schools Construction Safety - Drug and Alcohol Management
Purpose
Students will learn about the requirements of Health and Safety in the workplace in a way that builds trust, confidence, and promotes teamwork among pupils.
NZQA Unit Standards
| 22316 | Demonstrate knowledge of the management of drug and alcohol-related problems in the workplace (Level 3, 4 credit) |
| 14609 | Describe risk factors that contribute to injury on construction sites (Level 3, 3 credit) |
Course duration: 1 day (8hr day e.g. 8.30am - 4.30pm)
Attendance: Maximum 20 students
Price: $2300 (+gst per group)
Delivery: On school premises, or at our nearest VHNZ training centre
Schools Manual Handling and Hearing Conservation
Purpose
Students will learn about the requirements of Health and Safety in the workplace in a way that builds trust, confidence, and promotes teamwork among pupils.
NZQA Unit Standards
| 17592 | Identify the causes of back injury and methods to prevent back injuries in the workplace (Level 3, 4 credits) |
| 17594 | Demonstrate knowledge of hearing conservation in the workplace (Level 3, 3 credits) |
Course duration: 1 day (8hr day e.g. 8.30am - 4.30pm)
Attendance: Maximum 20 students
Price: $2300 (+gst per group)
Delivery: On school premises, or at our nearest VHNZ training centre
Schools Fire Safety
Purpose
Students will learn about the requirements of Health and Safety in the workplace in a way that builds trust, confidence, and promotes teamwork among pupils.
NZQA Unit Standards
| 3271 | Suppress fire with hand extinguishers and fixed hose reels (Level 2, 1 credit) |
| 4647 | Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of fire science (Level 2, 1 credit) |
Course duration: 1 day (8hr day e.g. 8.30am - 4.30pm)
Attendance: Maximum 15 students
Price: $1900 (+gst per group)
Delivery: On school premises, or at our nearest VHNZ training centre
Schools Discomfort, Pain, and Injury Prevention Skills
Purpose
Students will learn about the requirements of Health and Safety in the workplace in a way that builds trust, confidence, and promotes teamwork among pupils.
NZQA Unit Standards
| 17591 | Demonstrate knowledge of the prevention and Management of DPI in the workplace. (Level 3, 8 credits) |
Course duration: 1 day (8hr day e.g. 8.30am - 4.30pm)
Attendance: Maximum 20 students
Price: $2300 (+gst per group)
Delivery: On school premises, or at our nearest VHNZ training centre
Schools Health and Safety Foundation
PURPOSE
Students will learn about the requirements of Health and Safety in the workplace in a way that builds trust, confidence, and promotes teamwork among pupils.
NZQA UNIT STANDARDS
| 30265 | Apply health and safety risk assessment to a job role (Level 3, 8 credits) |
| 30264 | Describe duties rights representation and the regulator in terms of New Zealand health and safety legislation (Level 3, 3 credits) |
| 30266 | Demonstrate knowledge of workplace health and safety culture and practices (Level 3, 6 credits) |
Course duration: 2 days (8hr day e.g. 8.30am - 4.30pm)
Attendance: Maximum of 15 students
Price: $3750 (+gst per group)
Delivery: On school premises, or at our nearest VHNZ training centre
Schools Health and Safety Basics
PURPOSE
Students will learn about the requirements of Health and Safety in the workplace in a way that builds trust, confidence, and promotes teamwork among pupils.
NZQA UNIT STANDARDS
| 30265 | Apply health and safety risk assessment to a job role (Level 3, 8 credits) |
| 17593 | Apply safe work practices in the workplace (Level 2, 4 credits) |
| 497 | Demonstrate knowledge of workplace health and safety requirements (Level 1, 3 credits) |
Course duration: 2 days (8hr day e.g. 8.30am - 4.30pm)
Attendance: Maximum of 20 students
Price: $3750 (+gst per group)
Delivery: On school premises, or at our nearest VHNZ training centre
Schools Safety Basics with Drug and Alcohol Management
Purpose
Students will learn about the requirements of Health and Safety in the workplace in a way that builds trust, confidence, and promotes teamwork among pupils.
NZQA Unit Standards
| 22316 | Demonstrate knowledge of the management of drug and alcohol-related problems in the workplace (Level 3, 4 credits) |
| 30265 | Apply health and safety risk assessment to a job role (Level 3, 8 credits) |
Course duration: 2 days (8hr day e.g. 8.30am - 4.30pm)
Attendance: Maximum 20 students
Price: $3750 (+gst per group)
Delivery: On school premises, or at our nearest purpose-built VHNZ training centre
First Aid courses:
New Zealand First Aid Certficate
Purpose
The aim of this course is to train a student in providing immediate first aid in an emergency situation in order to save lives. Many workplaces require on-site first aiders, making this course especially relevant for those entering the workfoce.
NZQA Unit Standards
| 6400 | Manage first aid in emergency situations (Level 3, 2 credits) |
| 6401 | Provide first aid (Level 2, 1 credit) |
| 6402 | Provide basic life support (Level 2, 2 credits) |
Course duration: 2 days (8hr day e.g. 8.30am - 4.30pm)
Attendance: Maximum 15 students
Price: $3950 (+gst per group)
Delivery: On school premises, or at our nearest VHNZ training centre
Chemical Safety courses:
Schools Chemical Safety at Work
Purpose
Students will be trained to avoid unnecessary exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace. They will be introduced to worker obligations and regulations. This course allows students to identify the health and safety risks of chemicals and to apply controls and procedures.
NZQA Unit Standards
| 31292 | Demonstrate knowledge of workplace procedures relating to hazardous substances (Level 3, 2 credits) |
Course duration: 1 day (8hr day e.g. 8.30am - 4.30pm)
Attendance: Maximum 14 students
Price: $1700 (+gst per group)
Delivery: On school premises, or at our nearest VHNZ training centre
Prerequisite: Persons applying to sit this course must be 15 years of age or older.
Schools Asbestos Awareness
Purpose
This course is designed to inform students who may work in the construction, real estate, or related industries about asbestos, including its uses, health hazards, and the safety procedures that should be followed when it is present.
NZQA Unit Standards
| 2138 | Demonstrate knowledge of asbestos and safety procedures (Level 3, 2 credits) |
Course duration: 4 hours
Attendance: Maximum 15 students
Price: $1500 (+gst per group)
Delivery: On school premises, or at our nearest VHNZ training centre
Building, Trades, and Construction Training Pathways:
Schools Height Safety
Purpose
Knowledge of safe working at heights procedures and use of a safety harness will provide a head start to students looking to pursue trades within many practical industries including construction, infrastructure and mining. Many trade apprentices include working at heights as a mandatory component (e.g. roofing, scaffolding, and electrical)
NZQA Unit Standards
| 23229 | Use safety harness system when working at height (Level 3, 4 credits) |
Course duration: 1 day (8hr day e.g. 8.30am - 4.30pm)
Attendance: Maximum 10 students
Price: $2300 (+gst per group)
Delivery: On school premises, or at our nearest VHNZ training centre. Practical courses have a duration of 8 hours per day (e.g. 8.30am - 4.30pm).
Prerequisite: Persons applying to sit this course must be 15 years of age or older.
Schools Forklift OSH Ticket and Skills
Purpose
This course covers practical and theory elements in the safe and correct operation of forklifts. Students will learn to pre-inspect, perform operational tasks and properly park and shut down a forklift. The focus on practical skills alongside the theoretical components supports the achievement of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Forklift Operator Certificate. The OSH certificate is required for forklift operation on any work site.
NZQA Unit Standards
| 10851 | Operate a powered industrial lift truck (forklift) (Level 3, 7 credits) |
Course duration: 2 days (8hr day e.g. 8.30am - 4.30pm)
Attendance: Maximum 10 students
Price: $3500* (+gst per group)
Delivery: On school premises, or at our nearest VHNZ training centre. Practical courses have a duration of 8 hours per day.
Prerequisite: Persons applying to sit this course must be 15 years of age or older.
*Additional equipment or machine hire costs may apply where training takes place on school site.
Schools Confined Space Hazards
Purpose
The aim of this course is to enable a student to identify hazards and controls within confined spaces; develop an emergency procedure plan; and complete the necessary documentation required for a confined space entry.
NZQA Unit Standards
| 18426 | Knowledge of hazards associated with confined spaces (Level 3, 4 credits) |
Course duration: 1 day (8hr day e.g. 8.30am - 4.30pm)
Attendance: Maximum 10 students
Price: $2300 (+gst per group)
Delivery: On school premises, or at our nearest VHNZ training centre. Practical courses have a duration of 8 hours per day (e.g. 8.30am - 4.30pm).
Schools Low Level Scaffolding
Purpose
The aim of this course is to enable students to be able to outline the requirements of non-notifiable prefabricated scaffolds alongside practical training in order to erect, alter, inspect and dismantle them.
NZQA Unit Standards
| 9184 | Erect and dismantle non-notifiable prefabricated frame scaffolding up to five metres in height (Level 3, 5 credits) |
| 13016 | Demonstrate knowledge of the erection and dismantling of scaffolding up to five metres in height (Level 3, 3 credits) |
| 13053 | Erect and dismantle scaffolding up to five metres in height (Level 3, 6 credits) |
Course duration: 2 days (8hr day e.g. 8.30am - 4.30pm)
Attendance: Maximum 10 students
Price: $3750* (+gst per group)
Delivery: On school premises, or at our nearest VHNZ training centre. Practical courses have a duration of 8 hours per day (e.g. 8.30am - 4.30pm).
Prerequisite: Persons applying to sit this course must be 15 years of age or older.
*Additional equipment or machine hire costs may apply where training takes place on school site.
Schools Electrical Supply Core Skills
Purpose
The aim of this course is to enable a student to demonstrate knowledge of personal protection equipment (PPE), identify electricity systems and apply health and safety within the electricity supply environment.
NZQA Unit Standards
| 10507 | Use personal protective equipment in an electricity supply environment (Level 2, 4 credits) |
| 10508 | Identify electricity systems used in the electricity supply industry (Level 2, 6 credits) |
| 18038 | Describe health & safety duties on electricity supply sites (Level 2, 5 credits) |
| 12300 | Demonstrate knowledge of safety statutes and codes used in the electricity supply industry (Level 2, 6 credits) |
Course duration: 3 days (8hr days e.g. 8.30am - 4.30pm)
Attendance: Maximum 12 students
Price: $4500* (+gst per group)
Delivery: Agreed location or at our nearest purpose-built VHNZ facility. Practical courses have a duration of 8 hours per day (e.g. 8.30am - 4.30pm).
NB: it is recommended for students completing this course to hold First Aid unit standards 6401 and 6402.
Mobile Elevated Work Platform courses:
Schools Scissor Lift Training
Purpose
The aim of this course is to enable learners to focus on the popular MEWP type, the scissor lift, with extra practical instruction. Additionally, it covers work site assessment, safe operation, identification of different MEWP types, and legislative requirements for their use.
Important Note: This course is only approved to be delivered in Gateway Programmes with structured workplace learning.
NZQA Unit Standards
| 23966 | Describe types of elevating work platforms (EWPs) and legislative requirements for their use (Level 3, 2 credits) |
| 23960 | Assess the worksite prepare and operate a scissor lift EWP (Level 3, 3 credits) |
Course duration: 2 days (8hr days e.g. 8.30am - 4.30pm)
Attendance: Maximum 8 students
Price: $3400* (+gst per group)
Delivery: On school premises, or at our nearest VHNZ training centre
*Additional equipment or machine hire costs may apply where training takes place on school site.
Schools Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (Scissor Lift and Boom Lift)
Important Note: This course is only approved to be delivered in Gateway Programmes with structured workplace learning.
Purpose
Increasingly, MEWP’s are essential for working at heights safely in a wide range of industries. On this 3-day course students will learn about the various types of MEWPs, their suitability, safety features, legal requirements, worksite assessment, MEWP operations, and proper shutdown procedures. Time is allocated with a focus on practical skills training on two common machine types.
NZQA Unit Standards
| 23966 | Describe types of elevating work platforms (EWPs) and legislative requirements for their use (Level 3, 2 credits) |
| 23960 | Assess the worksite prepare and operate a scissor lift EWP (Level 3, 3 credits) |
| 23962 | Assess the worksite prepare and operate a self-propelled boom lift elevating work platform (EWP) (Level 4, 5 credits) |
Course duration: 3 days (8hr days e.g. 8.30am - 4.30pm)
Attendance: Maximum 8 students
Price: $4500* (+gst per group)
Delivery: On school premises, or at our nearest VHNZ training centre
Prerequisite: Persons applying to sit this course must be 15 years of age or older.
*Additional equipment or machine hire costs may apply where training takes place on school site.
Rural - Agriculture Training Pathways:
We can deliver a variety of Rural / Agricultural unit standards throughout New Zealand.
Please contact our team for pricing and to discuss your requirements
Rural / Agricultural Unit Standards Available
We can deliver a variety of Rural / Agricultural unit standards including:
SCHOOLS QUAD BIKE SAFETY
| Unit Standard | Description | Level | Credits | Requirements |
| 24554 | Operate a quad bike on flat terrain in the workplace under close supervision | 2 | 4 |
Proof of suitable work experience (including logbook) may be required to award this unit standard) Must be 15 years of age or older |
| 24557 | Demonstrate knowledge of the safe operation of a quad bike | 2 | 3 |
Proof of suitable work experience (including logbook) may be required to award this unit standard Must be 15 years of age or older |
| 24559 | Operate a quad bike on rolling terrain under limited supervision | 3 | 4 |
Proof of suitable work experience (including logbook) may be required to award this unit standard Must be 15 years of age or older |
Group price: $3950+gst
SCHOOLS LIGHT UTILITY VEHICLE (LUV)
| Unit Standard | Description | Level | Credits | Requirements |
| 24553 | Operate a light utility vehicle (LUV) on flat terrain in the workplace under close supervision | 2 | 4 |
Proof of suitable work experience (including logbook) may be required to award this unit standard Must be 16 years of age or older |
| 24556 | Demonstrate knowledge of the safe operation of a light utility vehicle | 2 | 3 |
Proof of suitable work experience (including logbook) may be required to award this unit standard Must be 16 years of age or older |
| 24558 | Operate a light utility vehicle (LUV) on rolling terrain under limited supervision | 3 | 4 |
Proof of suitable work experience (including logbook) may be required to award this unit standard Must be 16 years of age or older |
Group price: $3950+gst
SCHOOLS LAWN MOWING
| Unit Standard | Description | Level | Credits | Requirements |
| 20533 | Select and prepare specialist mower types mow turf areas and complete post-mowing requirements | 3 | 10 |
Proof of suitable work experience (including logbook) may be required to award this unit standard Must be 15 years of age or older |
Group price: $3750+gst
SCHOOLS TRACTOR SAFETY
| Unit Standard | Description | Level | Credits | Requirements |
| 19044 | Demonstrate knowledge of the legal requirements and hazards associated with tractor use | 2 | 3 |
Proof of suitable work experience (including logbook) may be required to award this unit standard Must be 15 years of age or older |
| 31913 | Operate a basic tractor on flat terrain under close supervision | 2 | 3 |
Proof of suitable work experience (including logbook) may be required to award this unit standard Must be 15 years of age or older |
| 31914 | Attach and detach a power take off drive 3 point linkage mounted implement to a basic tractor under close supervision | 2 | 3 |
Proof of suitable work experience (including logbook) may be required to award this unit standard Must be 15 years of age or older |
Group price: $3950+gst
SCHOOLS RURAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
| Unit Standard | Description | Level | Credits | Requirements |
| 31656 | Demonstrate knowledge of safe work practices in a primary industry operation | 2 | 10 |
Must be 15 years of age or older |
| 23542 | Identify factors and describe how to manage factors that contribute to injury in a rural workplace | 3 | 5 |
Must be 15 years of age or older |
Group price: $3500 + gst
SCHOOLS CHAINSAW OPERATIONS
| Unit Standard | Description | Level | Credits | Requirements |
| 6916 | Demonstrate knowledge of the rules relating to chainsaw use | 2 | 5 |
Must be 15 years of age or older |
| 6917 | Demonstrate basic chainsaw operation | 2 | 10 |
Must be 15 years of age or older |
Group price: $3950 + gst
Please contact our team for pricing and to discuss your requirements.
E-Learning Options:
Vertical Horizonz offers affordable e-learning courses that complement our face-to-face training. These courses provide Gateway Co-coordinators with flexibility in assisting students to achieve their NCEA qualification and prepare for the workplace. Delivery is online and support from an experienced trainer is provided as necessary.
Our e-learning offerings are always increasing. Example include:
| 497 | Workplace Health and Safety Requirements (Level 1, 3 credits) | $120 +gst pp |
| 30266 | Workplace Health and Safety Culture Practices (Level 3, 6 credits) | $150 +gst pp |
| 17594 | Hearing Conservation (Level 3, 3 credits) | $150 +gst pp |
| 31292 | Chemical Safety at Work (Level 3, 2 credits) | $225 +gst pp |
| 17591 | Discomfort, Pain and Injury (DPI) (Level 3, 8 credits) | $180 +gst pp |
| 22316 | Drug and Alcohol Management (Level 3, 4 credits) | $150 +gst pp |
| 30265 | Risk Assessment (Level 3, 8 credits) | $180 +gst pp |
| 17593 | Apply Safe Work Practices (Level 2, 4 credits) | $180 +gst pp |
| 22316 | Drug and Alcohol Management (Level 3, 4 credits) | $150 +gst pp |
| 17594 | Hearing Conservation (Level 3, 3 credits) | $150 +gst pp |
| 17592 | Back Injury Prevention (Level 3, 4 credits) | $150 +gst pp |
A full list of our e-learning courses can be found here: https://verticalhorizonz.com/e-learning/
Vocational Pathways
What are Vocational Pathways?
There are six industry specific Vocational Pathways:
- Primary Industries
- Services Industries
- Social and Community Services
- Manufacturing and Technology
- Construction and Infrastructure
- Creative Industries
These six pathways represent ways a student can structure NCEA to allow them to staircase into a chosen industry.
For example, a student wanting to become a builder would align their NCEA studies and training with the Construction and Infrastructure pathway.
What is a Vocational Pathway Award?
A Vocational Pathway Award is granted to a student who achieves the minimum recommended NCEA credits for a specific pathway, including credits gained through industry specific training.
What is Industry Specific Training?
At Vertical Horizonz we can work with schools and students to deliver Industrial Safety, Health and Safety, First Aid, and Leadership training as part of our Youth and Careers training. These industry specific courses align with Vocational Pathways and provide students with real life industry skills.
VHNZ Pathways
Vertical Horizonz’s mission is to provide real training that saves and changes lives. We believe that best practice begins in the classroom and are proud to offer a holistic employability pathway that supports the journey of rangatahi all the way through to becoming members of a safety conscious, skilled and resilient future workforce. Following their chosen path to early employment, we offer learners a range of TEC funded programmes (including pre-trade) to boost their skill set and widen their horizons. VHNZ also supports apprenticeship training in a number of our areas of expertise.
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If you would like to find out more about our Youth and Careers course offerings, please complete this form and one of our team will be in contact with you to discuss how we can be of assistance.
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Marc Black
Born and raised in Northland Marc has a passion for his rohe and the people within it.
Marc started his working life completing a glazing apprenticeship before moving onto the NZ Police, sales, and more recently as a Training Advisor for BCITO. With the knowledge gained from these experiences, Marc is able to give sound support and advice to our rangatahi and employers as they navigate their apprenticeship journey. Marc describes his role as “nuturing learning while enabling success”.
With a strong belief in Ngākau Pono and Manaakitanga Marc is an asset to our Training Advisory team. So, whether you are raring to go or just testing the water, reach out to Marc to start your life changing journey.
Tracey Mill
Adan Te Huia
Adan is a VHNZ Training Advisor for the Central North Island, a role he moved into after working as a Contract Trainer for VHNZ. Adan has held both Technical and Project Management roles while working in the Civil Infrastructure sector for Beca Infrastructure Ltd, Transfield Services Ltd, Fulton Hogan and Downer Ltd. Having experience within such positions himself, Adan has a great ability to connect to apprentices and is appreciative of the physical mindset and approach that is required to get these jobs done.
Prior to VHNZ Adan worked as a GIS Project Manager for the Maniapoto Māori Trust Board and Supervisor for the Department of Conservation, Maniapoto District. Intricate roles that focused on customer service and stakeholder relations, further highlighting Adan’s professional aptitude to deal collaboratively with individual businesses.
Adan brings with him vast experience in the trade industry and beyond, a hands-on individual who is empathetic to dealing with the difficult issues but committed to encouraging individuals to attain their goals!
Outside of work, Adan spends a fair bit of time underwater with a passion for diving.
Craven Wetere
A committed and loyal professional with proven experience in the construction, planning and management of scaffolding operations throughout New Zealand and Australia.
Craven's experience has been gained working from the ground up, starting in the scaffold yard and progressing through various roles as a scaffolder, a leading hand, a supervisor and into management roles over a 20+ year period in diverse working conditions and challenging environments with personnel from varying ethnic backgrounds.
Now as a Training Advisor, Craven is focused on giving back to the next generation and hopes that he can pass on some of the knowledge he has gained to help them on their journey.
Tony Boyd
Tony is a strong communicator with a wild sense of humour that takes pride in helping others and will do his best to support your success where possible.
Having previously taught English in Japan, worked in the public service and had a number of customer service roles, Tony prides himself on his communication skills. This he sees as a fundamental pillar to assisting apprentices through their journey, keeping these trainees informed and listening to what they have to say.
Hayley Paki
Hayley has a wealth of experience in the Scaffolding/Rigging industry having spent 25+ years in various roles throughout both Australia and here in New Zealand. He brings with him a maturity and calmness to the Training Advisor role and looks forward to meeting with apprentices and assisting them to progress and achieve.
Pat Hokianga
Pat is based in Tairāwhiti supporting the East Coast and Hawkes Bay regions. He has established a strong network with various Ministries, Iwi, and local businesses providing training pathways for their people.
Pat is an ex-serviceman (serving 24 years in the NZ Army) who completed an apprenticeship as an Automotive Engineer. Upon leaving the NZ Army he worked for the United Nations based in Afghanistan managing the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration Program (DDR). He has extensive hostile environment experience as well as managing security contracts and staff training for International Companies.
Pat joined the Vertical Horizonz team in 2015. Since then, Pat has been delivering NZQA Standard courses with a focus on the crane industry and associated training. While Pat is not working, he enjoys a round of golf.
Chris Miles
Chris has a diverse skill set in trades, sales, fire protection, security, and trade training gained at the Department of Corrections. He prides himself on being able to work with others from all walks of life and communicating effectively to achieve the best results. Chris is dedicated to building strong connections with both employers and apprentices, driven by a passion for helping them reach their goals.
Beyond the professional sphere, Chris indulges a personal interest in classic automobiles, frequently attending car shows with a particular fondness for showcasing a meticulously maintained 1965 Ford Fairlane V8
Vinny Mutingwende
Vinny comes to VHNZ with experience as a Licensed Building Practitioner, an Assessor, Tutor, and Adult Education teacher. With this raft of knowledge in the building and education sectors, Vinny is looking forward to utilising his skills whilst assisting apprentices on their journey through their qualifications.
Mark Handley
Mark has worked for Vertical Horizonz as a contract trainer and employed trainer over the last five years facilitating First Aid, Fire Safety, Chemical safety, Confined Space Entry, Breathing Apparatus and health and safety courses.
With a diverse range of skills learnt through the Emergency services, Building and Construction sector and manufacturing industries, Mark has the motivation and the ability to impart knowledge and skills to others so they can themselves learn and develop within their respective industries.
His past employment history includes Construction (Carpentry), manufacturing Fields (Quality assurance) and Emergency services (Ambulance and FENZ). While employed by Firestone/Bridgestone New Zealand, Mark worked alongside the Health and Safety officer and trained as Department of Labour Health and Safety Level 1 Accident prevention and investigation. This led him back to the construction industry in Health and Safety, where he oversaw all site inductions, audits, and daily safety checks, and worked to improve the health and safety culture within job sites via training and education.
Fabian Chalap
Fabian, a professional with a decade of experience as a builder, has transitioned into the role of Training Advisor, offering a wealth of knowledge and practical insights. His journey began as a construction apprentice, which grants him a profound understanding of the challenges and aspirations of those entering the construction industry. Drawing from his own experiences, Fabian is dedicated to helping individuals fortify their skills, address technical questions, and provide support to both apprentices and their employers.
Fabian's key skills include fluency in three languages—English, Spanish, and Portuguese—enabling him to bridge communication gaps, especially for those whose first language is not English. Honesty, reliability, resilience, and a strong work ethic are the cornerstones of his approach, ensuring the delivery of optimal support to apprentices. He is here to support apprentices through their apprenticeship, working closely with both the apprentice and the employer to ensure a productive and enriching learning experience.
With a deep passion for the construction sector and an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth, Fabian is here to guide individuals on their journey to thriving in their construction careers.
Conor Higgins
Conor has been with VHNZ for over 4 years as a Client Liaison. During this time, he has gained great industry insight and has a strong passion for education and safety.
Prior to working for VHNZ he held roles in both customer service and within the complaints department for a leading NZ consumer and appliance retailer. This built on his experience with customer relations and communication which is something he brings with him to this role. Conor has also worked in hospitality around the Auckland region.
Uki Ponga
Uki is the Poutuarā (Pastoral Care Specialist) at VHNZ. As a registered social worker with more than 10 years of social work experience, he brings valuable expertise to better support our learners throughout their training programmes or apprenticeships, ensuring they have the guidance and encouragement needed to succeed. He also provides guidance to the pastoral care team, ensuring they are well-equipped to deliver exceptional support and maintain compliance with the Pastoral Care Code.
Uki has been with VHNZ for over 10 years, having initially joined as a contract trainer specialising in Health and Safety, Hazardous Substance Compliance, and Gateway. His wide knowledge of VHNZ products and processes has helped him understand how best to support businesses and learners accessing our services.
Koro Rutene
Koro Rutene is our Te Pou Herenga/Cultural Advisor for the Māori Pasifika roopū ō Poutū Huapae and also takes on the role as Programme Manager for the roopū.
As Te Pou Herenga/Cultural Advisor, Koro provides advice to our Māori Pasifika team and the wider Poutū Huapae/Vertical Horizonz whānau regarding Tika (doing what’s right) to uphold tikanga – protocols and whanonga pono – principles & values within a Poutū Huapae/Vertical Horizonz context.
As Programme Manager Koro manages our Noho Marae (staying on marae) Programmes ensuring that all staff and kaimahi - support staff, are fully informed of the people, venue, & logistics involved prior to and while the programme is running and is the first point of contact for all issues and concerns especially where tauira, whānau of tauira, marae, venue, trainers and kaimahi are involved.
Koro holds a Level 5 Certificate in Social Services from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and has 5 years’ experience as a Kōhanga Reo teacher. Prior to working for Poutū Huapae/Vertical Horizonz he was a Cultural Advisor for ACC and volunteers at his church overseeing 700+ members in the community regarding social, mental, physical and spiritual well-being and needs.
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