NZ Manufacturer magazine, August 2026

Competenz and the EMA (Employers and Manufacturers Association) have announced a new partnership that extends support for employers beyond apprenticeships and vocational training into broader business capability.

With both organisations supporting thousands of New Zealand businesses across engineering, manufacturing and trades sectors, the partnership gives Competenz employers access to practical business support that extends beyond training, including employment relations and legal services, HR resources, and leadership and health and safety courses at EMA member rates.

Employers new to the EMA will also receive a discount on their first year of membership.

Ruth Cooper, Executive Director of Competenz, said the partnership reflects a deep understanding of what our industries and employers need.

“We know our industry trades, and engineering and manufacturing employers inside out. We understand what it takes for them to be high performing, sustainable and future-focused, and everything we do is built around that.

“This partnership with the EMA means our employers now have access to employment relations expertise, HR resources and leadership development alongside the vocational training we already provide.”

She says the integrated approach gives businesses more confidence to lead well, and the EMA’s guidance can help managers to meet their obligations and grow capable, connected teams, delivering value for employers, learners and the wider New Zealand economy.

John Fraser-Mackenzie, EMA’s Chief Executive, believes the partnership will ultimately strengthen New Zealand’s workforce, productivity and business growth.

“We’re really looking forward to working more closely with Competenz. Both of our organisations are passionate about helping businesses build the skills they need for the future. There’s a real opportunity for us to achieve more together than we can on our own.

“I am confident that this will help grow capability across industries, creating more opportunities for apprentices and learners.

“This will strengthen New Zealand’s workforce and productivity, enabling businesses to innovate, compete and grow with confidence.”

Beyond service delivery, the two organisations will advocate together on skills development and workforce capability policy with government and industry.

Ruth says, “Competenz and the EMA will work together to advocate for workforce development and vocational education, bringing employers’ voices into policy discussions with government and industry.”

The partnership reflects Competenz’s next chapter as an industry-owned organisation, broadening the services available to employers while continuing its focus on high-quality vocational education.