Cardinal Logistics Team Leader
(Stock Control) Filemu Sau.

When Filemu Sau started working for Cardinal Logistics eight years ago, he was too shy to speak to managers.

The Samoan-born labourer who migrated to New Zealand in his teens had limited English and best soldering iron for stained glass.

Yet in spite of these setbacks the father-of-four was determined to climb the company ladder.

I just needed an opportunity. Im intelligent, hardworking and committed. I knew with a bit of help I could step up and reach my potential, he says, looking back.

Two years ago, Mr Saus hopes were realised thanks to Cardinal CEO Tony Gortons decision to invest in staff training during a period of rapid growth.

Mr Gorton explains: Wed just won a significant contract. We needed a new warehouse and had to employ a lot of new people. I quickly saw the need to upskill our people and fast - to keep up.

Mr Gorton, founder of the 18-year-old third party logistics and distribution company, set up four complementary programmes in 24 months.

He introduced literacy training to give staff the reading, writing, maths and oral communication skills they needed at work and to complete training industry training.

He set up New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) industry training and two organisational change programmes known as the Fish! philosophy and Lean Manufacturing too.

These things combined gave Mr Sau all the opportunities he needed.

Mr Sau successfully completed the companys year-long workplace literacy course, as well a national certificate in warehousing, distribution and management and was promoted as a result.

In 2010, he was shoulder-tapped to speak on behalf of Cardinal at the Manukau Institute of Technology Pacific Business Awards dinner for nearly 500 people.

Last year Cardinal won Pacific Employer at the Pacific Business Trusts biannual awards for developing and advancing its Pacific employees.

The company employs more than 150 people 100 are of Pacific Island descent. They store, pick, pack and transport goods from three warehouses based in Auckland and Christchurch.

Mr Sau says: Last year has been amazing. Ive learned a lot, Ive grown in confidence. Everyones noticed a change in me. Im better at solving problems. I understand the jargon and practices of my industry. My English has improved to the point that I can help my kids with homework and communicate more confidently with management, too.

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