NZ Defence Force to learn PRINCE2
Global project management training company ILX Group has secured a contract to train New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) in the PRINCE2 method, initially made popular via the UK’s Office of Government Commerce.
The two-year contract includes an endorsement by the Ministry of Economic Development, which allows eligible government agencies in NZ to use the services provided by ILX without the need to go through the procurement process.
“PRINCE2 is the preferred training method for many government departments throughout the world. The contract with ILX will enable a single consistent project management methodology across NZDF,” said Stefan Jurczenko, NZDF procurement specialist said.
“It also reduces our external training providers from 63 to two, which will represent a significant cost reduction. Eligible government agencies across New Zealand will also have access to this training to further strengthen program and project management capabilities.”
The contract with NZDF is ILX’s largest training contract in the Asia-Pacific, according to Michelle Phillips, ILX Group country manager for Australia and New Zealand. It follows the group’s plan to increase market share in the region.
“The contract also gives the company access to eligible government agencies across New Zealand. This is a major achievement for us,” Phillips said. “ILX currently has an office in Auckland and plans to open another office in Wellington early next year to service the NZDF contract and other clients in the region. We are increasing investment in NZ as the company can see major growth opportunities for our services.”
More than 70% of ILX’s current client base in NZ comes from the government sector, which echoes similar uptake in the UK and Australia.
“New Zealand government departments have also pursued introduction of universal training qualifications across their departments for senior personnel thereby achieving the significant cost savings associated with this initiative. This has positively impacted on the take up of ILX courses in this country,” added Phillips.
In NZ, ILX already provides services to the Ministry of Transport, NZ Transport Agency, State Services Commission, Department of Conservation, Auckland City Council and the Accident Compensation Corporation.
