From Richard Pearse’s pioneering 1903 flight, the establishment in 1940 of Tasman Empire Airways Limited (to become Air New Zealand), to Rocket Lab’s Atea-1 launch in 2009, talented and driven people have brought international attention and success to the nation’s aviation endeavours.

As well-known within aviation circles, but less known to most others, is the country’s largest general aviation company, and a global provider. From humble beginnings in 1936 when two engineer brothers started assembling Tiger Moths at Rongotai Airfield (now Wellington International Airport), Airwork carries out fixed wing aircraft maintenance, as well as operation, lease and charter of its own fleet of Boeing 737 freighters.

People focus

With almost 90 years of success behind it, one of the enduring factors has been a people focus. A talented, trained, and qualified team across all aspects of the business is vital. One of that team is Rino Mehana, Stores Manager at Airwork’s Auckland Airport base. 

“I started working for Airwork Flight Operations in 2001 as an Aviation Storeman/Aircraft Parts Assistant. I had experience and qualifications in various stores and warehousing roles, but nothing aviation specific. Airwork has a strong training culture, so I was able to work with ServiceIQ and soon achieved my Aeronautical Storekeeping Level 3”, says Rino.

“Warehousing, stores and distribution are important to many businesses, and can often be where money is lost through over-stocking, damage or loss; or customer service compromised when a product that should be in stock isn’t. For aviation, there’s an added – and more crucial – complication: safety. 

“You must make certain that the part you’re supplying to the engineers is the right one – and there are often many variations for each. Many parts, in areas such as avionics, have limited shelf lives that must be carefully managed. If you think finding the right part for your car is difficult, you should try aircraft parts and service!”

Rewards gained

Rino says the aviation industry is a very intense and exciting environment to work in and can be a huge learning curve – but that’s where on-going career-long workplace training comes in. 

“For example, a couple of years after that first qualification, I trained as a Workplace Assessor for the Airwork Stores Team, again under the guidance of ServiceIQ. That has been a gain for the business and has helped cement the training and skills culture that we have created.

“As my career progressed, from Stores Supervisor and then Stores Manager, I have continued my own learning, with ServiceIQ Business qualifications, as well as mentoring and assessing other members of the team, with seven stores staff completing their Aeronautical Storekeeping Training Programmes with ServiceIQ. That’s the most rewarding part… being able to pass on my skills and knowledge to my team members and friends.”

Photo above: Rino Mehana

Challenges overcome

Rino notes that gaining skills and knowledge for work can be challenging.

“Everyone needs the skills and knowledge to do their job, and more so if they want to progress along a career path, and getting there can be quite a challenge in any job. Workplace training programmes help. While they can still be a challenge, they’re designed to help you gain the right skills and qualifications for the role. For me and my team, once completed and the qualification is gained, you realise it was less of a challenge than it might otherwise have been.”

ServiceIQ and, in particular, Mark Snalam (Kaitohutohu Rāngai Rererangi, Sector Advisor – Aviation) have been instrumental in helping Airwork navigate those challenges.

“Mark has been a huge help. He supports me and both the Airwork Stores and Engineering teams and we greatly appreciate that support and service. It makes a real difference to the business and to our people.

“Over the years I’ve recommended Mark, ServiceIQ and any of the training programmes to many people – including friends and family and anyone interested in listening!”

Discover the full range of ServiceIQ workplace training programmes for Aviation.