WorldSkills New Zealand’s newly appointed chief executive Malcolm Harris says his agenda is raising the profile of trades and vocational skills through high performance.
The independent, non-profit charitable trust founded in 1986 encourages young people to excel in vocational skills, achieved through exposure to trade competitions at regional, national and international levels.
Harris also wants to develop more connections between industry and training organisations to support WorldSkills New Zealand’s vision and goals.
He is leaving Hockey New Zealand to start his new role in early February, and he previously led organisations such as Meredith-Connell, Fisher and Paykel Appliances, and Netball New Zealand.
“I’m keen to bring in my experience, industry knowledge and networks, as well as my passion for seeing young people succeed,” says Harris.
The Auckland-based father of four, says he has a personal understanding of the needs of modern-day youth.
“WorldSkills New Zealand is an important organisation as it contributes to the development of young people in the trades, and nurtures future industry leaders,” he says.
Harris says he is no stranger to the trades, technical and commercial world, particularly through his long career at Fisher and Paykel Appliances.
Commencing in product design and production engineering, he found himself working with many tradespeople and apprentices, before going into the product marketing and international sales.
Regional WorldSkills competitions are due to get underway across the country from March 2016, with the national competition in October in Hamilton. For more information check out http://www.worldskills.org.nz/
