New online training for dairy processing operators!
17 April 2025
Primary ITO has launched a new online training programme to provide dairy processing operators with a greater understanding of the equipment they are working on, which could prevent costly downtime in an export market worth $25.7 billion annually*.
The New Zealand Certificate in Dairy Processing Engineering (Level 3) covers the principles of automation, monitoring instrumentation, diagnostics for electrical faults, identifying risks of failure, and routine maintenance. The ten-month programme is suitable for relatively new operators and can also be undertaken by people who wish to have their existing skills formally recognised.
Operators must be working with automated processing equipment to undertake the training, which is completed entirely online through Primary ITO’s learning platform.
Primary ITO sector manager for dairy processing, Alwyn Redhead, says it is critical that operators have a solid understanding of the equipment they are working on to prevent costly downtime, production delays and quality issues.
During 2024 several dairy processing companies took part in a pilot programme, including Westland Dairy Co Ltd in Hokitika. Two Westland employees recently completed the training and have been promoted into senior roles, with another earmarked for accelerated progression.
From L-R, Chris Jones - Primary ITO Training Adviser, Ethan O’Neil – Dairy Processing Engineering graduate, Westland Dairy Co Ltd, Kieran Wallace – Process trainer, Westland Dairy Co Ltd, and Karyn Davis – Compliance training coordinator, Westland Dairy Co Ltd
Kieran Wallace, process trainer at Westland Dairy Co Ltd, says a key thing they look for when promoting or choosing people for roles is their ability to problem solve.
Kieran says the dairy industry is continually evolving, and there is always a push for new plants, equipment, integration of systems, and advancement of technologies.
“In that ever-changing world, it’s important that there is the resources and training available to help grow the staff and businesses knowledge base and to provide them with the opportunities to explore things that are outside of pure plant operation.”
The New Zealand Certificate in Dairy Processing Engineering sits alongside the New Zealand Certificate and Apprenticeship in Dairy Processing, which focuses on day-to-day tasks and processes, food safety and quality requirements, production, and working in a team.
Click here for more information on the New Zealand Certificate in Dairy Processing Engineering (Level 3).