FITEC and STIHL Partnership

A partnership between STIHL and FITEC recognises the need to raise awareness of investment in safety and specialised knowledge within the wood industry.

STIHL is an international manufacturing company best known for chainsaws and specialists in powerful, lightweight and versatile hand-held outdoor power equipment. STIHL acknowledge that the nature of the equipment they produce and its application in the natural environment means safe use; operational efficiency and environmental considerations are paramount.

This partnership with FITEC, an authorised New Zealand industry training organisation for the forest, harvesting and wood industries, ensures that excellence in all aspects of education and training is encouraged and supported, with STIHL providing both equipment and training ‘know-how’ for future FITEC programmes.

CEO at STIHL Limited in New Zealand Jim Bibby says he is proud to unite his company with FITEC to promote the value of training to the industry.

“FITEC is widely recognised as providing leadership within the sector in relation to career development and industry skills capability; matching the talent pool to available jobs.  The training needs of individual students are mapped out and delivered within the framework of the national qualification programmes designed by them.  In short, FITEC really set the tertiary sector training standards for forestry in New Zealand.

“We think it’s imperative to support FITEC so Kiwis using our products in a working environment are well-informed and safe,” says Mr Bibby.

“FITEC is grateful for the support being given by STIHL to forest industry training.  Our partnership has potential to forge new levels of collaboration between industry training and major equipment and service providers to our industry.  The mutual benefits derived from a stronger training base and the higher skill levels it will produce will inevitably lead to a range of improved outcomes for the industry”, said Ian Boyd, CEO of FITEC.  “STIHL, as a major global player in the industry has materially assisted in raising the profile of industry training.”

The partnership will see STIHL assist FITEC in the future development of their business and foster the shared vision of continuous improvement in health and safety and workplace knowledge within the wood industry.