For Manawatu-based fencing contractor Wilton Weeks, completing the industry training has been an effective way to improve how he runs his business.
Wilton Weeks, 28, is based in northern Manawatu and has been contracting full-time for three years. Before he went out fencing, he was shearing and did some fencing in the off-season, originally for a contractor and then out on his own.
He got his first taste of fencing as a cadet at Smedley Station in Hawke’s Bay. From here, his passion for the trade grew.
He began competing in fencing competitions, which he found a great way to develop his skills, pitting himself against fencers from around the country.
This year, Wilton decided to take another step forward in completing the New Zealand Certificate in Fencing (Level 4) provided through NorthTec in conjunction with FCANZ. He finished the 31-week course in November.
The course is aimed at experienced fencers and covers the whole gambit of running a fencing business, including designing and constructing fences, interpreting a livestock yard design, constructing yards to meet client requirements, and developing the knowledge and skills to lead a team and manage client relationships.
The course is carried out online with weekly zoom meetings with the tutor, which Wilton said made it very flexible to work around.
“This has worked in really well with work and other parts of life.”
Wilton said he had originally decided to sign up to the course as it was a requirement to gaining accreditation with FCANZ.
“But I have really enjoyed what I have learnt during the course. It has helped me to develop good bookwork habits and has taught me how to run my business in a far more professional manner.
“It has also been good for reflection on my performance both personally and as a business.”
He said the most challenging part of the course was getting back into studying after a number of years out in the workforce.
“Even at school I was not very good at motivating myself for study, but by setting a time every weekday to sit down and study or do business bookwork, I have worked through the course easily.
He had also found he was far more on top of the business work as a result. “This is a habit I intend to continue,”
Wilton said the tutor had been instrumental in getting the course done.
“Our tutor has been really good at teaching and helping us through the course. The weekly sessions are good for keeping everything fresh in our minds, and helping with any questions or issues the students are facing.
“He is also readily available for one-on one sessions over the phone, and to help outside of our zoom sessions. David has also been a wealth of knowledge in other parts of business not covered in the course and I have taken a lot away from our discussions.”
Wilton said it was also a chance to network and discuss ideas with other contractors in the same boat.
“The other good aspect of being on a course with like-minded people is it is a good chance to discuss ideas and how to overcome some of the common problems faced in business.”
Wilton is excited for the future and said with the training completed he can see the path to reaching his goals.
“This course will and has already helped towards growing my business and carrying out the business side of my work in a more professional manner.”
And he’s not done yet.
“My goal is to work my way up the FCANZ qualification ladder to create a point of difference and a standard for my business, and for me this is the first step.”
For Wilton, fencing is an extremely satisfying job that covers a broad range of skills and trades, from earthworks and machinery operation to engineering.
“No two days (are) the same. This not only makes it a really interesting job in its own right, but is also a great opportunity for young people who aren’t quite sure what they want to do as a career to get out, learn some skills and find what they’re really passionate about.”
He felt for many, fencing was not considered a highly skilled industry and fencers didn’t get the recognition for the broad range of skills and experience they carry.
“I really support FCANZ and NorthTec in creating an official qualification and pathway to recognise fencers and their skills. This will also set a standard for the entire industry to live up to.”
He highly recommended the training to anybody wanting to progress in the industry.
“When starting out in business or a leadership role there is a lot that this course covers that would otherwise have to be learnt by trial and error.
“I believe having the opportunity to do this course when I first started out in business would have saved me a lot of hard work and mistakes.”
Article written by Rosa Watson
Published in the Professional Development Feature in WIRED Issue 71 / December 2023 by Fencing Contractors NZ
