Southward Team Sharpens Welding Skills Ahead of Certification

Southward partnered with Trade Train NZ to upskill staff in welding, preparing their team for certification through practical, hands-on training.
Southward Warehouse Automation warehouse racking and automation

Client story

Client

Southward Warehouse Automation

Primary Goal

To strengthen their team’s welding skills and techniques, preparing staff to sit their welding certification with confidence and supporting the quality and safety of the racking systems they build and install.

About

Southward Warehouse Automation is a Waikato-based specialist in designing and delivering storage and automation solutions for modern warehouses and distribution centres. Based in Tamahere, near Hamilton, the team helps businesses make the most of their space, increase throughput and run their operations with greater accuracy and reliability.

Their range covers everything from longspan, cantilever and roller shelving to high-density pallet storage, including drive-in racking, pallet racking and shuttle systems. Southward also delivers automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), autonomous mobile robots, conveyor and sorting systems, and warehouse management software, backed by design and layout, racking audits and inspections, maintenance and project coordination services.

Guided by what they call “The Southward Standard”, the company puts integrity in engineering, safety and compliance at the heart of every project. By combining local expertise with international standards and proven global suppliers, Southward supports clients across horticulture, dairy, food and beverage, trade and merchandising, third-party logistics and retail.

Client

Southward Warehouse Automation

Primary Goal

To strengthen their team’s welding skills and techniques, preparing staff to sit their welding certification with confidence and supporting the quality and safety of the racking systems they build and install.

Course reviews

At Trade Train NZ, we take pride in delivering top-notch training and service. But don't just take our word for it — It's what they think that really matters. All the Testimonials are of course in their own words not mine, so you can make a fair judgement.
  • Trained to achieve a level of welding above my previous knowledge.

    Eric Tamahere
  • Great job and very good communication during the test. Thank you.

    Coenie Tamahere
  • Brother Wayne is very good and helpful. I’m thankful to him because he shared a lot of knowledge with me about welding skills, symbols and strategies.

    Orville Tamahere
  • For me, Wayne is a good trainer because he taught us everything he knows about welding (travel angle, work angle, etc.).

    Gernie Tamahere

Key takeaways

  • Certification Ready: Staff went into their welding test well prepared, with clear guidance and support from Wayne throughout.
  • Sharper Technique: Trainees refined fundamentals such as travel angle and work angle, the basics behind consistent, quality welds.
  • Reading Welding Symbols: The team built a stronger understanding of welding symbols, helping them read drawings and specifications accurately on the job.
  • Clear Communication: Wayne’s straightforward, approachable style made it easy for everyone to follow along and ask questions.
  • Knowledge Shared Generously: Staff valued Wayne passing on his practical, hands-on experience, giving them skills they can keep using in the workshop.

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