Meet NZ’s most valuable coach: the trades mentor setting a new benchmark for apprentices

Out of more than 220 entries from trades workplaces nationwide, industry training organisation Competenz has named Palmerston North’s Sean Martin as its first-ever Most Valuable Coach (MVC) Champion - declaring him the country’s top workplace trainer across engineering, manufacturing, mechanical and primary industries, as well as marine, plastics, HVAC/R, printing and other specialist trades.

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Sean says he was genuinely surprised to learn he had been named the national winner - and that his immediate thoughts went to the apprentices he works with every day, and the moments that make the job so rewarding.

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“My favourite thing is when a proud apprentice has solved something on their own using knowledge I’ve taught them. Empowering people to think for themselves is incredibly rewarding - especially when they work it out and gain the confidence to tackle the next job.”

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Sean completed his HVAC and refrigeration apprenticeship in 2018 and joined Excel Refrigeration and Air Con two years ago, moving into his current role in 2023 with a clear purpose: to work in a business where he could train people and help apprentices grow. He supports five apprentices directly and, on busy days, can take up to 30 calls from them as they work through challenges in their learning.

“I enjoy having a positive influence on apprentices each day. I’m still on the tools in specialised areas, but I make sure I’m accessible. Coaching has also reignited my passion for the industry - it’s pushed me to develop new skills around training people and growing talent.”

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Sean also credits Excel’s culture for enabling strong training.

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“Excel provide the environment for us to learn and train and give us all the resources we need to do that. I’m thankful for that leadership and culture.”

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Excel apprentice Derek Evenson nominated Sean for the accolade.

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“Sean has taken the time to properly invest and teach the refrigeration trade to myself and the other apprentices in a huge way. From running training evenings when he first started, to taking a role in running our annual apprentice week this year. At every opportunity he makes sure we understand what is happening, and why. He is an excellent teacher and absolutely full of knowledge; he is absolutely the deserving MVC without a doubt.”

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Sean receives a prize package including a Weber BBQ for his workplace, a team meat pack, a MVC trophy, champion merchandise, and will feature on a billboard celebrating his win in 2026.

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Competenz has also announced four MVC runners-up: North Island’s large business - Danny Newland (Titan Marine Engineering, Auckland), North Island SME - Steven Bamford (Cranston Engineering Ltd), South Island large business - Barry Wells (Port Blakely Ltd) and South Island SME - Cam Stokman (Angus Robertson Mechanical). Each received a Makita Boombox from The Toolshed.

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Danny Newland, Titan Marine Technical Quality Manager, has spent 30 years in the marine engineering sector on land and at sea, and says training is about upholding industry standards.

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“My goal is to uphold the strong reputation of New Zealand marine engineers. When you look after your team and maintain top-tier standards, it keeps morale high and efficiency strong — that’s what sets us apart. Training the team well is a big part of that, and I’m proud to see them develop their technical skills and use their initiative.”

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From Cranston Engineering, also based in Palmerston North, runner-up Steven Bamford says the news set off instant celebrations.

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“I was in the middle of a job when I received the news and the whole workshop just erupted — whistles, cheering, the works. The team’s been backing me all year, so seeing their excitement was the real highlight.

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“Cranston Engineering’s biggest asset is our workshop team. I’m proud of them. Being a small team, daily tasks and work changes frequently, so having great learners who can learn and execute tasks effectively, ensures the workshop is able to keep a steady work output,” said Steven.

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South Island runner-up Barry Wells from forestry company Port Blakely, who has been in forestry for 29 years, says training and safety are inseparable.

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“A good training culture goes hand in hand with a safe and productive work environment. We’ve got skilled, innovative people who thrive on learning.”

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He adds, “It’s great to see people develop their skills and move into new roles as they gain experience.”

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Barry also acknowledges the team effort behind training success.

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“Training is absolutely a team approach - Port Blakely are willing to invest in people, the trainees, the trainers and the industry training organisations like Competenz all work with us to make it happen.”

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Competenz General Manager Employer and Learner Services, Toni Christie, says the response to this year’s MVC award demonstrates how deeply valued workplace coaches are across industry.

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“This year’s MVC campaign showed just how vital workplace coaching is across New Zealand’s industries. The response from hundreds of people working in industry has been incredible. These coaches are shaping the future of our trades - their time, expertise and commitment make all the difference for learners and employers.”

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She says the breadth of nominations from engineering and manufacturing to forestry and marine, underscores that exceptional coaching sits at the heart of New Zealand’s most important trades.

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