Growing Our Own, a Calibrate event at Lyttleton Engineering

Kicking off our first Calibrate event – a new style of site visit where we focus on sharing practical lessons, experiences, and success stories – we’ll be heading through the tunnel to Lyttelton Engineering.

Growing Our Own will be a chance to learn how the team at Lyttleton Engineering have developed their people. Through their apprentice training programme they’ve developed qualified and experienced staff. Their success can be seen just by looking at their own senior leadership team, which including 5 Lyttelton Engineering apprentices, with two being company directors.

Our hosts will be Richard York – General Manager, Nick Jessop – Operation Manager, & Robbie Sutton – Apprentice Mentor.

You can expect to walk away with 

• Practical ideas for developing and retaining skilled people within your business.
• Insights into how Lyttelton Engineering has built a successful “grow your own” culture.
• Real examples of apprentices progressing into leadership roles.
• Ideas for strengthening partnerships with schools, Ara, and industry.
• Connections with manufacturers facing similar workforce challenges.

What you need to know:

• Anyone in your team who’s looking to help grow the next generation of manufacturers are welcome to attend (please just let us know who to expect)
• Arrive between 4:45-5pm for a 5pm start
• There’s plenty of parking at 31 Godley Quay
• Make sure to wear closed toe shoes
• No photos or videos

The conversation doesn’t stop after the site visit.

Calibrate 1 – Discover (Site Visit)
See how Lyttelton Engineering has built a successful “Growing Our Own” approach and hear the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Calibrate 2 – Deep Dive
A practical workshop exploring the systems, processes, and culture behind Lyttelton Engineering’s approach, with opportunities to discuss how these ideas could work in your own business.

Calibrate 3 – Expert Discussion
A facilitated session with industry, education, and training leaders focused on accelerating work readiness and building a strong “grow your own” culture across manufacturing.

Calibrate 4 – Share & Learn
An open discussion where manufacturers share experiences, challenges, successes, and practical ideas with one another.

Calibrate 5 – Continue the Journey
Capture and share the key learnings with MAKE│NZ members, explore establishing an Apprentice Mentor Network, and identify opportunities for future collaboration and ongoing learning.

If you’d like to participate in these future Calibrations, reach out to the team!