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ATTTO was pleased to be a major sponsor for the fourth year in a row of the annual Aviation Industry Association (AIA) Conference. Held in Blenheim from 27-29 July, the conference was an excellent opportunity to showcase the inaugural ATTTO Aviation Training Ambassador Awards. 

The Awards are designed to recognise three outstanding individuals for the important contribution they make to training in the sector. They recognise the integral commitment and support of the individuals in making workplace training and the achievement of national qualifications a success.

Presented infront of their colleagues at the Awards Dinner by ATTTO CE Elizabeth Valentine, the three winners were:

Mike Naus, Air Force Qualifications Officer for the RNZAF

Mike Naus has been with RNZAF for over thirty years, and has an outstanding level of knowledge about aviation qualifications and the importance of training and career pathways. 

Mike provides valuable industry feedback into ATTTO’s qualification development to ensure that they are high quality and fit for the sector. With over 120 trainees to manage, Mike continues to play a fundamental and pivotal role in the implementation of ATTTO qualifications in the RNZAF.

“Industry training is the most effective and relevant way to train people for our industry. While behaviours can be taught in a purely training environment, attitudes can only really be brought home to people through experience in the workplace; seeing the right attitudes modelled by their mentors and peers,” he says.

Mike Naus receiving his award.

Neville Williamson, Chief Engineer at Flight Line Aviation

Neville has been facilitating training for over ten years, and has played an essential role in establishing ATTTO training at Flightline Dunedin. Neville is recognised as a mentor in his workplace and has a strong focus on supporting the professional development of his staff. ATTTO frequently calls on Neville as a ready reliable source of information and support.

“Without training you don’t get the people with the right attitude in an industry that relies on safety. Without training you don’t have an Industry full stop,” he says.

Neville Williamson receiving his award.

Ron Dewhurst, Training Support Leader at Air NZ Technical Operations

Ron has been instrumental in helping to support a steady stream of trainees to complete their qualifications. An ATTTO workplace assessor since 2002, Ron uses his wealth of experience and genuine interest in the advancement of his trainees to make workplace training a real success. 

“Industry training is important to me as it generates jobs for enthusiastic trainees that are the future engineers. They are needed to replace an aging workforce in NZ and worldwide,” he says.

 Ron Dewhurst receiving his award.

ATTTO would like to congratulate all three winners on the important work they do for the sector.