NZ’s top workplace coach passes the whistle as search for 2026 champion begins

After 219 nominations uncovered some of New Zealand’s best workplace coaches last year, industry training organisation Competenz is kicking off another season of its Most Valuable Coach (MVC) competition - and 2025 national champion Sean Martin is ready to pass the whistle.

From engineering workshops and manufacturing floors to forestry operations, refrigeration businesses, plastics plants and print and packaging workplaces, Competenz is calling on apprentices and trainees to nominate the people who make a difference to their learning every day.

Martin, Service Supervisor at Excel Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, earned the inaugural title for the time, patience and genuine commitment he gives to training the next generation - although he admits winning came with one particularly satisfying perk.

“I’ve got bragging rights,” he says.

Competenz General Manager Employer and Learner Services Toni Christie says the competition celebrates the people whose contribution to workplace training can easily happen out of sight.

“Behind every great apprentice or trainee there is usually someone who has taken the time to answer the questions, demonstrate something again, share their experience and back that person to succeed.

“They don’t necessarily think of themselves as coaches, but the impact they have on someone’s confidence, capability and career can be enormous.”

Martin knows the difference that support can make. His own apprenticeship stretched across five employers and 13 years before he completed his Level 4 refrigeration qualification. By the time he arrived at Excel, he was burnt out and questioning his future in the industry.

Today, he’s the one making time for others, with Excel giving him the scope to work alongside apprentices and properly teach rather than simply give instructions.

“If someone’s willing to learn, I’ll always make time for them,” Martin says.

MVC returns after attracting 219 nominations in its inaugural year, with apprentices and trainees again invited to tell Competenz why their coach is a workplace legend.

The 2026 national winner will receive a $1,000 ToolShed voucher, Weber Baby Q gas BBQ and meat pack, trophy and MVC merchandise, as well as a regional billboard announcing their win. Two runners-up will each receive a $500 ToolShed voucher, Makita XGT Cordless Radio and MVC merchandise, while 20 $200 ToolShed vouchers will be up for grabs throughout the 10-week competition for people who share their nomination on social media or submit an outstanding entry. Every nominated coach receives a personalised certificate and MVC travel cup.

Christie says while the prizes are fun, the recognition is what matters.

“Great workplace coaches build skilled people, and skilled people build stronger businesses and industries.

“Last year showed us just how many incredible coaches are quietly doing that work around New Zealand. Now it’s time for apprentices and trainees to put their hands up and say, ‘This is the person who made the difference for me’.”

Competenz apprentices and trainees can nominate their 2026 MVC at competenz.org.nz/mvc. Nominations open 7 September and close 15 November 2026, with the national winner announced in early December.