1. YOUR CONNECTION TO INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE
0508 754 557
info@icexl.co.nz
icexl.co.nz
To keep up with construction growth in Auckland and around New Zealand, it is clear that
many more plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers are needed.
The latest research shows that the plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying sector needs
nearly 8,000 new workers by 2020. Around 492 people are needed to fill plumber,
gasfitter and drainlayer jobs every year to keep up with employment growth.
The plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying courses at polytechnics are currently at full
capacity, creating the risk that this demand won’t be met. Industry Connection for
Excellence (ICE) – a collaboration between industry stakeholders, The Skills Organisation,
and Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) – will ensure the extra provision of high-quality
plumbing gasfitting and drainlaying training to meet New Zealand’s ongoing demand.
What is ICE?
ICE is a newly established training provider representing a more agile approach to training delivery in the
plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying sector.
Initially based out of a central Auckland location, the school will essentially be a portable hub designed to
make training convenient to both trainees and their employers.
The course material and resources will be aligned with those of MIT, providing consistency of delivery. This
will ensure that the increased accessibility to training will complement, rather than compromise, the high
quality of the courses that trainees currently take.
Who owns ICE?
ICE is established as a charitable company, with a Trust as the shareholder and trustees representing
plumbing industry stakeholders. A board of directors will ensure the school operates with the best interests
of the industry in mind.

2. Why does it exist?
The primary purpose of ICE is simple: to grow both the quality and capacity of training in New Zealand’s
plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying sector, ensuring that future demand will be met.
ICE will also invite more involvement and collaboration among various bodies within the industry. This will
provide wholesalers, manufacturers, utilities, and other stakeholders with the opportunity to have more
involvement in the development and delivery of training in the sector.
This approach also comes with many other benefits for the wider industry:
• Flexible and adaptable course content that can evolve with changing industry needs
• Consistency in course resources, teaching, and assessment across regions and across the industry
• Easier access to training
• Wider industry engagement and the opportunity to shape a collective solution to an ongoing problem
• A viable, long-term solution for training provision in one of New Zealand’s key trades
How will training be delivered?
The classroom will be based in a central hub, while utilising other well-resourced existing training facilities
around the region. ICE . The vision is to eventually have the option to be transported to various sites as required,
ensuring flexibility for learners.
ICE is an Auckland regional initiative, to mitigate capacity constraints. While recognizing demand is likely to
increase in other regions, this is not currently a focus.
When will the first classes be available?
The first classes are scheduled to be delivered in early February 2017.
Where can I go for more information?
Industry Connection for Excellence
Contact: Garry McKenzie – General Manager
garrym@icexl.co.nz
Mobile: 021 566 041
Choose ICE as your off-job training provider today! Register for your apprenticeship with Skills and start your
first block course in a career of choice.