Behind every precision-moulded medical component manufactured by Fisher & Paykel Healthcare is an equally important investment - the people whose skills ensure every product meets the highest standards of quality and care.

That commitment to workplace learning has seen the Auckland-based medical device manufacturer named 2025 Plastics Training Company of the Year, recognising its investment in developing highly skilled technicians through structured workplace learning with Competenz.

Presented by Plastics New Zealand, the award celebrates manufacturers that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to developing their people and building capability across New Zealand's plastics industry.
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Injection moulding plays a critical role in Fisher & Paykel Healthcare's manufacturing process, producing the high-precision components that underpin many of its respiratory therapies. Today, 12 members of the company's 65-person technical team are completing the New Zealand Certificate in Plastic Processing – Injection Moulding, while a further 16 have completed Level 3 or Level 4 qualifications.

Site Operations Engineering Manager Andy Ryan says the award reflects the important role learning plays in supporting the business' commitment to quality, innovation and continuous improvement.

"Injection moulding of a wide range of high-precision components is a critical part of our manufacturing process, ensuring we consistently deliver safe, reliable, and high-quality products."

Competenz has played an important role in building that capability, providing a structured learning pathway that complements the practical experience employees gain every day on the factory floor.

"The Competenz team has created a structured development pathway that supports the growth of team members. They already gain excellent practical experience on the job, and this additional training helps build a more well-rounded understanding of the theory, concepts, and best practices that underpin their work."

Learning at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare extends well beyond formal qualifications. Experienced team members - including former apprentices - now mentor the next generation, helping to strengthen relationships across the business while fostering curiosity, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

"It is important for two key reasons. First, it helps foster stronger social connections within and across teams, strengthening relationships and collaboration among team members. Second, it promotes a growth mindset across the organisation by encouraging curiosity, continuous learning, and knowledge sharing, enabling people to learn from colleagues with greater experience and expertise."

Andy says vocational learning also empowers people to see opportunities they may otherwise have overlooked.

"Learning enables people to identify opportunities for improvement that they may not have seen before. It fosters curiosity and motivates individuals to contribute proactively, benefiting both the long-term success of the business and the personal fulfilment of those involved in the work."

For manufacturers considering investing in work-based training, Andy believes the benefits extend well beyond technical capability.

"We believe it is important for individuals to be empowered to take ownership of their learning. This benefits both the individual and the business."

Marley New Zealand, winner of the Plastics Training Company of the Year award in 2023, was recognised as this year's runner-up, continuing its long-standing commitment to developing highly skilled people.

Training Manager Peter Sutcliffe says investing in learning continues to deliver lasting benefits for both employees and employers.

"Everything that we do is about our people and our investment in the people. They're learning and they're growing and they're able to contribute to the business as well, so everybody wins.

"For them, it's their personal pride, the fact that they're learning and growing. They're taking certificates home to show their families what they've achieved. As a business, we just get the side effects of that - a really skilled, quality operator."

Both Fisher & Paykel Healthcare and Marley have demonstrated the long-term value of investing in workplace learning, with the two manufacturers recognised as winner and runner-up respectively in this year's awards.

Competenz Training Advisor Alan Smith says Fisher & Paykel Healthcare's mentoring culture helped set the business apart.

"What is really great to see is former apprentices are now mentors, helping the next generation of learners through the process. They know what is required and the standard and are really helping those new learners progress.”

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