A group of Golden Bay Cement workers have gained qualifications in a programme their bosses say lifts the bar on teamwork, industry standards and company pride.
Eighteen of the Portland company's quarry workers have completed level 2 and 3 New Zealand Qualifications Authority national certificates in relevant industry training - achievements that will be honoured at a presentation on Friday.
"It may sound easy but the majority of employees are in the 40-plus year-old bracket. I thank them for having the courage to, in their own words, 'go back to school'," quarry manager Richard Frost said.
Two quarry team leaders also took part in the scheme. "We wanted to show visible leadership, that this was important to us."
The workers studied topics covering health and safety, environmental considerations, operation of mobile plant; such as dump trucks, loaders and excavators, and fixed plant; such as crushers.