Congratulations to Van Den Brink Poultry for taking out the Champion Employer Award at this year’s Skills Highway Awards!
The awards recognise best practice, commitment and growth for the learners, learning providers and employers who take part in the programmes funded by the TEC’s Workplace Literacy and Numeracy Fund.
For the last two years, Van Den Brink Poultry has run its workplace literacy and communication programme across Auckland sites for over 75 staff. It’s delivered real benefits both to participants and the business. Part of this is the creation of a clear and achievable career staircase for their staff. Some of them are now on a pathway into NZQA formal qualifications as a result of boosted foundation skills and confidence.
The award was presented at a TEC lunch. Relationship Manager, Frances Fuamatu, commended Brinks and the participants for their strength and resilience in learning throughout 2020. She also noted Brinks’ vision for engaging with the Workplace Literacy Fund to grow its people and talent.
The organisation was named ‘Champion Employer’ in part because it was so strongly represented in other award categories, including Champion Learner Group. Brinks learners were in the two groups with outstanding project innovations.
The projects, around knife sharpening and efficiency and minimising chicken breast waste, represent significant cost savings for the business.
More broadly, however, they signal Brinks’ commitment to implementing ideas. Also, the confidence of its participants to put their ideas forward.
“This is just the start,” says General Manager, Poultry, Greg Lawrence. “The important thing is the learning you take home to your families.”
“Thank you for the learning opportunity,” said participant Taufa. “We have all learnt so much on this programme.”
The TEC noted it had a record number of entries in 2020 and the calibre of nominations was very high.
