The growing importance of drilling exploration in New Zealand will be highlighted in Taupo on Wednesday (November 10) with the presentation of Level 2 National Certificates in Non Hydrocarbon Drilling to 24 employees of Wairakei's MB Century New Zealand Ltd.

The on-job training programme, facilitated by EXITO (Extractive Industries Training Organisation), is a New Zealand first.

Marcel Manders, General Manager of MB Century, said that completion of the qualification was a first for the New Zealand drilling industry and meant that the skills of the MB Century drill crew employees were formally recognised.

"This is an exacting industry and as a company we are looking to continually develop our employees' knowledge and skill. Additionally, we wish to provide an opportunity for employees to continue to gain further qualifications. The EXITO program allows for this to happen."

MB Century is a leader in geothermal drilling and development, having undertaken the investigative drilling of all major geothermal fields in New Zealand since 1949.

The EXITO national qualification was achieved through on-job training, and administered by MB Century's training department, with the use of external assessors and training providers.

"As an employer of choice, we are keen to invest in our employees and provide time for them to attend training, seminars and conferences," he said.

Kevin Walker, CEO of EXITO, said this achievement marked an important milestone for industry training in the New Zealand Drilling sector.

"On-job training is a cost-effective way for companies to upskill their employees, and MB Century's commitment to supporting their employees in achieving these national qualifications has paid dividends. This investment in people will reap many rewards from increased productivity and profitability through to staff retention and loyalty".

While the majority of industry training is for people already working in the industry and delivered on-job, a pre-employment programme delivered at Tai Poutini Polytechnic also gives people an opportunity to enter the industry. Offered in Greymouth, this 20 week course also leads to a National Certificate Level 2.

"The great news for the Greymouth students was that they were all offered jobs at the end of their course and we believe this demand for drilling students will only increase to keep up with soaring international mineral prices and high market demand for these resources," he said.

The next Tai Poutini Drilling courses begin in Greymouth on 31 January 2011 and 11 July 2011.