Helping WSP’s Environmental Training Centre respond to a new world of water industry training.
The Challenge
The Environmental Training Centre now has a foundation for a new kind of learning environment for the water sector.
Subject matter experts can create structured learning experiences that are engaging and measurable.
Training can be developed quickly while maintaining a consistent approach.
The platform also creates space for collaboration. Other training providers can contribute resources, helping build a shared capability platform for the industry.
As New Zealand invests heavily in renewing its water infrastructure, building sector capability will be critical. This platform supports that goal by making it easier for professionals to access the knowledge and skills they need to manage water systems effectively.
Our Partnership
We partnered with WSP’s Environmental Training Centre to rethink how learning experiences could be designed and delivered through the new platform.
Together, we developed a suite of learning and facilitation templates that provide subject matter experts with a clear structure for creating high-quality learning experiences. The templates support a range of formats including workshops, fireside conversations, case study presentations, refresher sessions, and demonstrations of tools used across the water sector.
Importantly, the templates were designed to move learning beyond information delivery alone. They guide contributors to create experiences that encourage participation, reflection, and practical application, while also supporting more consistent evaluation of learning outcomes.
This approach removes a common barrier faced by technical organisations. Industry experts can contribute their knowledge and experience without needing deep expertise in instructional design, while still maintaining a consistent learner experience across the platform.
We also delivered a train-the-trainer session introducing the facilitation guides and demonstrating how the templates could be used in practice. The session was recorded to support future contributors as the platform continues to grow.
The Impact
The Environmental Training Centre now has a practical foundation for a more connected approach to capability development across New Zealand’s water industry.
Subject matter experts can create structured learning experiences more quickly and confidently while maintaining a consistent standard across the platform.
The model also creates greater flexibility for organisations accessing capability development. Rather than relying solely on scheduled training events, professionals can engage with resources and learning experiences in ways that better support learning in the flow of work.
The platform also creates space for broader sector collaboration. Other providers and specialists can contribute resources and expertise, helping build a shared capability ecosystem for the industry.
As the water sector continues to evolve, building workforce capability will remain critical. This work helps create more accessible, practical, and continuous learning opportunities for the people responsible for managing New Zealand’s water systems.