Competenz Chairman retires
LONG-SERVING COMPETENZ TRUST BOARD Chairman, Mike Simm, has announced his retirement.
Competenz CEO Fiona Kingsford says Mike’s contribution over the last eight years has been invaluable for the Industry Training Organisation (ITO): “Mike’s passion for youth development, vocational education and our industries has led Competenz to become a highly respected and trusted advisor with our industries and Government.
“On a personal note, I have truly valued Mike’s support and mentorship over the past four years and will miss his wisdom and insight.”
He worked across a range of industries including manufacturing, engineering and the construction sector before shifting to tourism and regional economic development, serving as a director, trustee and advisor in companies, trusts and local and central government entities. His career has also focused on youth development and transitions from school to work, particularly through his work as a trustee of various community trusts in Northland.
“It has been a great privilege to have been part of the Competenz journey, overseeing the genuine contribution that we make to the NZ economy through vocational training and to be closely associated with the people that bring that to life,” he says.
“Some of my most treasured moments have been visiting workplaces and discussing their challenges and opportunities with employers and learners. This is where ‘the rubber hits the road’ for us and where I have been able to experience first-hand the opportunities we have to make a real contribution to upskilling the NZ workforce and all the collateral benefits that accrue from that,” he adds.
Mike says there is a real need to continue to work constructively with the Government in the Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE) process to ensure that the final product remains relevant and engaging for employers and learners.
George Adams will replace Mike as Board Chair. George joined the Competenz Board in April 2018. He has 30 years’ experience leading companies in NZ, Africa and Europe, which he says has given him an in-depth appreciation of the benefits of industry training to learners, companies and the country. He is a strong advocate for the FMCG, Forestry and Health & Safety sectors.
A former Chair of the NZ Food and Grocery Council, George currently holds Chairman and Directorship roles on a number of boards. He also chaired the 2014 Independent Forestry Safety Inquiry.
NZL