Hawke’s Bay based trades training provider G&H Training has been acquired by UP Education, New Zealand’s largest independent tertiary education group, for an undisclosed sum, in a deal announced earlier this month.
G&H delivers trade training and managed apprenticeships via two regional campuses and five managed apprenticeship support bases in the North Island. The acquisition supports UP Education’s plan to expand its trade training across the North Island.
UP Education Group CEO Mark Rushworth says the acquisition provides his company with a much stronger regional presence.
“G&H Training fits perfectly within UP Education given its focus on delivering in-demand training and educational excellence and also provides UP Education with the capability to deliver accredited managed apprenticeships.
“With 30 years of industry experience, G&H has a proven track record in delivering meaningful educational outcomes and equipping students with the skills and experience they need to successfully work in a trades industry that is desperate for more staff.”
Vocational training has widespread importance to all regions, including Hawke’s Bay. Nationally, around 240,000 learners each year achieve skills and qualifications relevant to the changing needs of employers / industries. Rushworth says the role of vocational education has become increasingly important since the pandemic, with significantly more workers needed in trades, health, aged care industries.
The type of training offered is generally tailored to regional needs, responding to skills shortages.
New Zealand’s construction sector is expected to create around 4,800 new jobs annually, and G&H Training is well positioned to help Hawke’s Bay locals grab their share.
The company specialises in carpentry and construction. It offers NZQA accredited pre-employment training, as well as Managed Apprenticeship in Carpentry Level 4, which is a four-year managed apprenticeship programme, allowing learners to work full-time earning a wage while gaining practical skills and knowledge to work in the industry.
At G&H Training 100% of apprentices are retained in employment on completion, and the company has waiting lists of employers that require apprentices. Its Managed Apprenticeship programme continues to see significant demand with students well into 2022.
G&H Managing Director, Geoffrey Goodchild, says the scale and expertise of UP Education will support G&H as it continues to expand and train a diverse trades workforce that is critical to New Zealand’s economic and social growth.
“The team at G&H is very pleased to be joining a nationwide vocational education group of UP Education’s calibre.
“We’ve seen the incredible demand for trades training and managed apprenticeships in the past years. With continued demand expected in the years to come, G&H is looking forward to working as part of the group as we continue to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in a career in the trades,” says Goodchild.
Under its new ownership, G&H’s day-to-day operations continue with its current management and staff. G&H employs 20 people and has agreements with over 100+ employers for managed apprenticeships.