In November 2024, Waihanga Ara Rau responded to several concerns raised by industry and training providers about Access Systems unit standards and qualifications.
Key issues included challenges with training delivery, the suitability of training products, and gaps in training and available resources. These issues were further compounded by unknown implications from health and safety reforms.
At the same time, Waihanga Ara Rau’s Short Course Training project also highlighted that some existing standards may not be suitable for different audiences who need Access Systems skills.
As a result, we’ve expanded our planned review of Industry Rope Access qualifications to include a broader range of access systems, including Scaffolding and Elevated Working Platforms (EWPs).
This year, Waihanga Ara Rau worked with tāngata whai mana (stakeholders) to investigate these issues to help inform the future design of standards, qualifications, and micro-credentials for recognising Access Systems skills.
Phase 1 focused on engaging with stakeholders to gather insights, experiences, and make recommendations related to Access Systems skills. Phase 1 also provided an opportunity to validate feedback we received via the Short Course Training project about where there might be gaps in skill needs that are not covered by existing standards.
Phase 1 involved one-on-one conversations, site visits, group discussions and hui’s to collect and consider sector feedback that could inform Phase 2.
Phase 1 culminated in the development of a Sector Findings report that made 19 specific recommendations. These recommendations have been shared and endorsed by our industry Steering Group to support and inform Phase 2 activities.
Read our Phase 1 report here.
Technical Advisory Group subject matter experts and providers reviewed the recommendations from Phase 1 and identifying actionable steps that could be taken.
Phase 2 reviewed a number of existing qualifications and standards, resulting in the development of new qualifications and skill standards to meet industry needs.
Scaffolding
We have completed the review of the New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (General) (Level 3) [Ref: 3708] and the New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Trade) (Level 4) [Ref: 3710] qualifications and the development of its associated skill standards.
Consultation concluded that changes were needed to the qualifications to better reflect graduate skills, ensure flexibility and offer clear progression pathways.
The review also confirmed the alignment of the outcomes of the qualifications with the mandatory skill standards developed for the domains of elementary and intermediate scaffolding.
The two qualifications and the 19 associated skill standards have been submitted to NZQA.
We have reviewed the existing scaffolding up to five meters unit standards (US 9184, 13016 and 13053) and have developed the replacement “scaffolding up to 5 metres in height” skill standard, to improve safety, consistency, and clarity across industries. This skill standard is currently open for feedback.
The review the New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Proprietary Suspended) (Level 3) [Ref 3709] and the New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Level 5) [Ref: 2363], the development of its associated skill standards, the ongoing review of scaffolding up to 5 metres and any RFIs from the NZQA submissions will be managed by the Construction and Specialist Trades ISB in 2026.
Industrial Rope Access
We have completed a review of the Industrial Rope Access skills to ensure the qualifications and standards are fit for purpose.
At the same time, we developed a suite of new skill standards better suited to the needs of industry and these have been submitted to NZQA for evaluation.
This review supported the expiry of the following qualifications, and these have also been submitted to NZQA.
Further discussions with industry on the development of a range of future credentials, such as micro-credentials, at Level 3, 4 and 5 for Industrial Rope Access will transition to the Construction and Specialist Trade Industry Skills Board in 2026.
Working at Heights
We have discussed with industry their needs for future working at height training.
A new working at height framework has been developed that will support future training needs at Level 3, 4 and 5.
Four draft skill standards have been developed to support over 90% of current training needs.
This workstream will transition to the Construction and Specialist Trade Industry Skills Board to continue in 2026 with further industry consultation.
Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs)
We discussed with industry skill needs for operators of MEWP and developed core skill standards.
During development work, we were advised that a review of the Best Practice Guidelines for MEWP’s is about to start, and after consultation, paused development work.
We will be providing the Construction and Specialist Trade Industry Skills Board with detailed handover information to support the continuity of this project including working files, records, and contact information.
On behalf of the Access Systems project team, thank you for your commitment, support and input. It has been our privilege to work with you.
