How to retain your staff when times are tough
For small to medium trades-based businesses in New Zealand, retaining staff can be difficult, especially in the current climate when the construction industry is experiencing a downturn and the promise of higher pay in Australia is tempting away many of our skilled workers. Competing with Australian wages and salaries simply isn’t an option for most […]
Apprentice of the Month – March
We’re delighted to announce that roofing apprentice Liam Barber of Watertight Roofing Ltd, Hamilton, is our latest Apprentice of the Month! Liam was caught off guard on-site by our training advisor, Adan Te Huia, who delivered the good news (and, we assume, the classic “wait, what?” reaction). Currently working towards his Level 4 National Certificate […]
New system for returning assessments
We are excited to share with you our new system for returning assessments which we hope will make it easier and faster for our Apprentices to submit their on-job assessments. After a successful trial period, the Learner Portal is now fully operational, and starting April 1st, on-job assessments must be submitted through the Learner Portal. Assessments can […]
eLearning. A Flexible, Inclusive, and Cost-Effective Option
At VHNZ, we believe learning should be accessible to everyone—whether you’re in the office, on a break, or even by the pool (just don’t spill your drink on the keyboard). eLearning lets you learn anytime, anywhere, making it the perfect fit for busy schedules, shift workers, or those who work remotely. No more waiting for […]
The Link Between Psychological Safety and Overall Workplace Safety
When you think of workplace health and safety, you may imagine hard hats, hazard signs, and compliance checklists. While these are indeed critical aspects, an often-overlooked factor is psychological safety—the assurance employees feel that they can express concerns, report errors, and contribute ideas without fear of judgment or retaliation. This sense of mental security is […]
Fee decreases plus new apprenticeship fee structure in 2025
From 1st January 2025 we are introducing some important changes to our Apprenticeship fee structure that you need to know about. The most important thing to know is that the total amount you pay is NOT increasing, if fact, prices for VHNZ apprenticeships will be decreasing by between 5% – 30% (depending on your apprenticeship and strand). What […]
Vertical Horizonz UDL Strategy for Inclusive Education
At Vertical Horizonz, we are committed to creating an inclusive educational landscape underpinned by Universal Design for Learning principles (UDL). UDL is a research-based framework that aims to make learning accessible and inclusive for all. We recognise our obligation to remove learning barriers for all, including our neurodivergent learners, who may have additional challenges due […]
VET Review – Make Your Voice Count!
On the 1st of August consultation began on the future of Vocational Education and Training in New Zealand. Industry voice is vital in building a system that develops a skilled and future-proofed workforce that meets the needs of both industry and learners. The deadline of 12 September for submissions to the Government on the future of the […]
Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on the Future of Education
In today’s rapidly evolving world, artificial intelligence (A.I) is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here, and it’s reshaping how we approach education, particularly in the Learning and Development (L&D) space. As we stand on the cusp of a new era, understanding how A.I is already integrated into our daily lives and how it will continue […]
Paralympian Nikita Howarth Takes on MEWP Training with Determination
Nikita Howarth is no stranger to overcoming challenges. Born with a congenital bilateral arm deficiency, she has defied expectations throughout her life—first in the pool, where she became New Zealand’s youngest Paralympian and a gold medallist, and now in the trades, where she is forging a new path as an apprentice painter. Last week, Nikita […]