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26 November, 2002Incentives for a growing technical staffChristchurch's Underwriters Laboratories is offering long-term incentives as a way to attract and retain the highly-qualified technical staff it needs to continue expanding its business. The laboratory has increased its staff numbers 100% in the last six months and continues to look for further technicians to staff its high-technology business. At the official opening of its new purpose-built facilities today, Managing Director Manuel Shimasaki said that, as with many New Zealand technology companies, the laboratory found the lack of available qualified technical people to be one of its greatest challenges. "We have recently introduced medical insurance and a superannuation fund as part of our remuneration package to provide a longer-term incentive for existing and potential staff," Mr Shimasaki said. The laboratory has a policy of employing skilled technical staff, requiring qualifications of a BE or equivalent, and has an active recruitment scheme with those institutions that are training potential future employees. The staff currently includes two Canterbury University students, both employed as part of Underwriters's programme to support Canterbury University's Engineering Department by offering students the professional experience needed to fulfill the requirements of their degree. The breadth of experience the laboratory has in many testing disciplines and the range of services it provides are often not available in any other testing facilities globally. "Due to New Zealand's isolation, Underwriters was established to provide a wide range of testing services, where most laboratories overseas tend to specialise in one area. This is a good environment in which to gain experience for a future career in technology," Mr Shimasaki said. Marketing Director Matt Toohey said the laboratory was gaining a reputation as a world-class facility and was now being contacted by electrical and electronics companies throughout Asia, the USA and Europe. "With the growth of the business, the laboratory will be looking to provide further job opportunities to skilled technical people over the next 18 months. We intend to increase to a staff of 40 to enable our expansion into new technologies and fields," Mr Toohey said. "We have formed partnerships with a number of manufacturers in Singapore and Hong Kong who are impressed with the technical capabilities of our staff and our quick turn-around time. The caliber of our staff is a crucial part of our future business growth," he said. For more information contact:
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© Copyright 2001 Underwriters Laboratories Ltd | Tel: +64-3-339-1670 Fax: +64
3-339-1671
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