Competenz is pleased to announce the appointment of Mandie Skipps as Head of Forestry, bringing a strong combination of forestry industry experience, commercial leadership and a passion for workforce development.
Mandie has been involved in forestry since 2007 through family-owned contracting business Skipps Logging, where she has worked across business operations, commercial planning, people development, health and safety and workforce capability. She is also a member of the FICA board.
Prior to moving into the business full-time in 2018, Mandie held senior commercial and leadership roles with NZME, MediaWorks and The Radio Network, developing experience in business growth, strategic partnerships, customer engagement and commercial performance.
She is also actively involved in the wider forestry sector as a member of the Forestry Training Committee, a FICA Board member, and through her involvement in Northland and Central North Island Health and Safety groups. She has also been a judge at the Northland Forestry Awards for the past six years.
In her new role, Mandie will work closely with employers, contractors and industry organisations to ensure forestry training reflects the needs of the sector, strengthens workforce capability and supports the future of the industry.
Mandie Skipps said: “Having worked in a forestry contracting business, I understand the challenges employers face and how important it is to have the right people with the right skills.
“I see a real opportunity to strengthen the connection between industry and training, ensuring we are listening to employers and delivering practical, relevant training that makes a difference. I'm looking forward to working alongside the sector to help build a capable workforce and a strong future for forestry.”
