Ashley leads a team of Relationship Managers who oversee industry sectors. He also engages with the Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne Regional Skills Leadership Groups (RSLGs).

Looking at the year ahead, Ashley hopes that industry and learners support the vocational and education system in far greater numbers than currently and that industry has a system and process that develops a well-rounded, fully trained and skilled workforce.

Ashley says, “I have seen first-hand the very real benefits of vocational training and am convinced that this way of learning and gaining skills and qualifications is a great opportunity for many young job-ready people and employees who want to have a trade.”

Outside of work, you’ll find Ashley spending time with his family, which includes his two grown-up children and five grandchildren. He is a keen gardener, and when time allows, you’ll find him on the golf course, riding his e-bike or playing cornet in the Hawke’s Bay Symphonic Band.