For Jodie and Martial Wallen, investing in training is not an extra cost of doing business. It is part of building an award-winning company that can maintain high standards, support its people, and position itself well for the future.

At their Papakura, Auckland firm, Wallen Concreting, that approach has shaped the whole team. The Wallens’ sons, Jake and Sam, Martial, and team member James have all completed BCITO’s Concrete Placing and Finishing qualification. Jake’s wife, Celine, is now completing the qualification too, while also playing a key role in the office.

Jodie believes the investment pays off in terms of creating a stronger industry and a stronger business. Wallen Concreting now has a highly qualified team of concrete placers who can work unsupervised and confidently take control of the different situations that arise onsite.

“Gaining a qualification is an essential investment in professionalism, pride, and the value of being a skilled concrete placer. Having a fully qualified team also gives your company a clear competitive advantage over others in the industry,” she says.

“We believe this is important because we hope that, in the near future, concrete contractors in New Zealand will be required to hold formal qualifications to carry out concrete work, to lift standards across the industry,” she says.

For some of the team, working towards a BCITO qualification has also been a chance to formally recognise the experience and knowledge they had already built up while working in the business. Rather than changing the way they worked completely, it reinforced why every stage of the job matters and why doing it properly counts.

“The qualification did not necessarily introduce new skills, but it reinforced the importance of completing work correctly and to a high standard. It has also given our team a strong sense of pride and achievement,” Jodie says.

Training has also helped prepare the next generation for more than just the physical work. Celine supports the office with administration, booking jobs and organising concrete orders. Sam’s fiancée, Kaitlyn, is also heavily involved in the business, looking after health and safety, helping with administration, and managing social media and advertising. Both women also work onsite when required, giving them practical hands-on experience.

While neither came from a construction background, Jodie says both have adapted quickly and become valuable members of the team. More importantly, they are learning not only the trade itself, but also the administrative and financial side of running a successful business.

That broader capability has eased some of the pressure Jodie used to carry herself.

“With the involvement of the girls in the team, it has significantly reduced the pressure on me managing all of the administration while also being on-site assisting with the concrete work,” she says.

Jodie still works full-time in the business, largely to support and further train staff. But in the near future, she and Martial hope to step back slightly and have more time to focus on other parts of life.

“We are confident in doing this, as our team is well trained, competent, and capable of running jobs independently when required,” she says. “This allows us the flexibility to take time away when needed, knowing the work will continue to be delivered to a high standard.”

It’s not only Jodie who has confidence in the high standard they’ve achieved. The Wallens and their team were recognised as BCITO and NZ Concrete Contractors Association Supreme Winner in 2023 – something that gives them a definite edge on their competitors. It’s evidence that a focus on training has also laid the foundations for a strong business, a confident future and a legacy for many more years to come.