Training Excellence Reaps Rewards for Safety ‘n Action Trainer

Safety ‘n Action takes their mission of transforming New Zealand’s health and safety culture seriously with all of their trainers taking this challenge with them into the classroom every day.  So, it only gets better when one of their own is recognised for their passion, training excellence and now becoming New Zealand’s industry expert for Crane Health and Safety Training.  Safety ‘n Action Trainer, Norman Kete, has won Skills PTE Crane Trainer of the Year for 2017.

Being New Zealand’s leading provider in Health and Safety training, the entire Safety’ n Action team are very proud to see the quality of their work recognised by the industry.  “The emphasis always seems to be on employers and workers becoming compliant.  It is good that the people who develop and carry out the training are scrutinised and their training methods held to account.  This will give business owners greater confidence when deciding which training company to use for their health and safety program.”

News of the award bowled Norman over, only four years ago he thought his dreams of becoming New Zealand’s best crane operator were over, when an unexpected incident occurred – leaving him blind in one eye.  He was devastated and believed all his experience with cranes would go to waste.

“To tell the truth, I had no experience in anything else, all my years – it was only cranes – anyway, who would want to hire a blind guy, you could say I was a little one-eyed about it all!”

During his rehabilitation he reached out to family for support and through this process, his CV ended up on the desk of Safety ’n Action’s Operations Manager – Ayla Hutton.

“From the first look, we recognised that Norman had incredible potential, a point of difference and so much to offer Safety ’n Action and our customers. But, that was only the start! Trying to convince Norman that we needed him and his skills – he rang back several times just to make sure it wasn’t a joke!”

“But it wasn’t,” smiled Norm, “I have never been so grateful in all my life.  They saved me, so I have given back everything I can, training the students, making sure they understand the seriousness of the job and building their confidence to pass.”

From working on the front line as a Crane Operator, to becoming Safety ‘n Action’s Crane subject matter expert, Norman has helped to develop, enhance and deliver the full product range.

Delivering 28 Crane courses the past year to over 160 students, Norman has helped his students to achieve a 95% competency record.  He knows this excellent result is due to engaging and building confidence in his students and the support of Safety ‘n Action, but it doesn’t stop there.

“My students also leave my training sessions, knowing they can contact me at any time, for any further information they need to know” says Norman.

It is his ongoing dedication to building knowledge that won him the Skills PTE Crane Trainer of the Year.  Not only is Norman an all-round great guy, his passion and personal drive for Cranes and teaching shines through in the testimonials received from his students.

“I learned a lot on Norm’s course and had a great time doing so. He engages with the class and breaks the lesson down into a way that everyone understands,” says Sam Moody, an operator in the Waikato region.  “We also all got a solid amount of time practically learning on a gantry crane, so I left feeling confident in being able to use one safely at work. I’m looking forward to the next Safety ‘n Action training with Norman!”

His commitment to the job is second to none – you can guarantee he’ll be there on the day, weekends, nights, nationwide – giving it 100%, and what does the man himself have to say?

“Operating Cranes is second nature to me, I love it, it’s helped make me the person I am today.’’

Norman would also like to thank the Skills Organisation and Crane Association.

“It is great that they encourage trainers and recognise the achievements of their members.  It boosts the progress of safe work practices in the crane industry.”

Norman received his award at the Crane Association Conference held in Rotorua on Friday the 19^th July.