Partnerships

WIDE Trust

WIDE Trust partnership sees major funding boost for forestry and wood manufacturing training

A partnership between Competenz and the Wood Industry Development and Education (WIDE) Trust, saw a $300,000 grant announced in 2019 to increase and improve training opportunities across the forestry and wood manufacturing sectors.

Competenz CEO Fiona Kingsford said the funding will be applied to three key areas, with delivery across 2020.

“We are delighted to have the WIDE Trust’s backing and will use this funding to grow apprenticeships through one-year scholarships and technical training support grants across both sectors. We have begun work on these already, and we look forward to sharing application details for this financial assistance in early 2020.

“In addition, we will target upskilling, coaching and training of assessors in forestry and wood manufacturing, most likely in partnership with other like-minded organisations. This will be rolled out in the later part of next year,” she said.

The WIDE Trust is a charitable trust formed in 2018. Its focus is on supporting development and education in the forestry and wood industry sectors through the provision of grants and scholarships to New Zealand students and institutions.

WIDE Trust Fund Manager Sue Patterson said the Trust is pleased to support Competenz in its bid to address the skills gap in New Zealand.

“The Trust is aware of the shortage of skilled trades people in the forestry and wood sectors and is keen to encourage young people into these industries. We look forward to seeing the proposed initiatives come to fruition,” she said.