This year marks ten years of collaboration between Train the painter and CAKE Commercial Services Ltd, a specialist protective coatings company operating across New Zealand and Fiji.
Led by Director Dean Wall, CAKE provides corrosion mitigation and passive fire protection services across multiple sectors, including water and wastewater, oil and gas, commercial construction, infrastructure, energy transmission, communications, and general building remediation. Over the past decade, CAKE has not only strengthened its own operations through training but has also helped raise standards across the coatings industry.
Recognising the need for structured training
Dean recalls that the decision to become an Affiliate Training Provider for Train the painter came from a clear gap in the market.
“We saw a real need for structured, internationally recognised training in New Zealand,” explains Dean. “At the time, there was nothing comparable available. Train the painter’s curriculum aligned perfectly with our focus on quality and safety — it gave us a framework to formalise our internal training efforts and a pathway that our teams could grow with.”
Building strength through training
Since adopting Train the painter, CAKE has seen measurable benefits across its business. The structured approach to training has enhanced credibility, improved workforce retention, and attracted skilled workers — all while building stronger client trust through certified, high-performing teams.
“Offering Train the painter training has helped us maintain professionalism and consistency across our workforce,” says Dean. “It’s also helped us move away from the cycle of recruiting from competitors, particularly during the post-COVID labour shortages. Focusing on developing our own people has been key.”
Flexibility that benefits the industry
CAKE’s ability to train both internal staff and external participants has been a defining advantage.
“The flexibility means we can keep our own standards high while also supporting the wider industry,” Dean explains. “It ensures everyone we work with operates to the same level of competence and safety.”
From Brush Hand to Regional Manager
CAKE’s commitment to training has led to many success stories. One particularly memorable example is a Brush Hand who began his career on CAKE’s transmission tower remediation team.
“He completed his Train the painter Bronze course ten years ago, and that’s where his passion for coatings began,” Dean shares. “Today, he’s a regional manager and a Level 2 inspector, running and training his own teams.”
Raising industry standards
CAKE’s training culture has had a ripple effect across the coatings sector in New Zealand. Teams trained under their programme are now highly sought after, as other companies recognise the positive influence of structured training on both performance and culture.
“We’re often approached by trade bodies for input on how to raise standards across the industries we work in,” says Dean. “It’s great to see that focus on quality spreading.”
A decade of growth — and what comes next
Over the past decade, CAKE has evolved from a small contractor into a respected name in both coatings and training — a journey strongly supported by Train the painter. At the heart of this success is Daniel Aston, CAKE’s dedicated Train the painter Trainer, whose expertise and professionalism have helped shape the company’s training culture. Looking ahead, Dean remains focused on training and continuous improvement, even during quieter market periods.
“We’re investing in our people now so that when the market rebounds, we’re ready,” says Dean. “It’s about maintaining our standards, staying adaptable, and continuing to grow.”
A huge thank you to Dean Wall, Daniel Aston, and the entire team at CAKE Commercial Services for their continued partnership and contribution to improving coatings standards across New Zealand and beyond.
Find out more about becoming a Train the painter Approved Provider.
