New centre to train staff | Bay of Plenty News | Local News in Bay of Plenty

A new training centre was to open in Tauranga today, addressing the apparent shortfall in industry training needs for the region.

Pacific Coast Technical Institute (PCTI) has gathered a group of trainers together under one roof to help build the capability, productivity and performance of local industry.

Owners Mark Hellyer and Fiona Morris have more than 25 years experience in the education sector, and believe the needs of industry are not currently being met by traditional providers.

Ms Morris told the Bay of Plenty Times the new training centre had the potential to reach "hundreds" of possible students.

She said PCTI hand-picked the industry trainers, and then whatever companies need, they would go and find them training.

Mr Hellyer said key sectors had been left out in the cold because their needs did not meet the format of a national certificate, or the minimum funding requirement for a full-time course. "We want to let the employer determine their needs and service those beyond their expectation."

Through PCTI, businesses can access the training they want, when they want it and choose where it is delivered.

The training can be delivered at PCTI, or out on site at a time that fits.

Over time, they aim to expand their portfolio to meet the growing needs of the Bay's horticulture, aquaculture, maritime and food industries.

Pacific Coast Technical Institute work with: AMS Driver Training, Mahurangi Technical Institute, Plant and Food Research, Edbiz, International College of Auckland and Tenax. They can deliver training in anything from forklift licensing to GrowSafe certifications, food safety or "train the trainer" courses.