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.
Within Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs) subject matter experts and providers are now reviewing the recommendations from Phase 1 and identifying actionable steps that can be taken.
This will result in the development of fit for purpose qualifications, micro-credentials and skills standards to better support the access systems skills sector.
Phase 2 will include a review of existing qualifications and standards—resulting in the development of new skill standards—and any new developments required to meet industry needs.
Please note for Phase 2, the review of the New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Proprietary Suspended( (Level 3) [Ref:3709] and the New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Level 5)), associated unit standards and the development of associated skill standards will be completed by the Construction and Specialist Trades Industry Skills Board, where this work is not completed prior to 31 December 2025.
We will shortly be requesting feedback on the proposed structures of qualifications, micro-credentials and/or skill standards to support scaffolding, industrial rope access, mobile elevated work platforms and working at heights.
This project aims to guide future qualifications, micro-credentials and skill standards to ensure graduates have the right skills, at the right level, to meet industry needs.
To do this effectively, we continue to need input from across the sector—including industry representatives, learners, training providers, and engagement with other stakeholders. Your voice is important.
You can:
Questions and comments/Ngā pātai me ngā tākapu?
Please reach out to Stewart Brougham, Qualification Developer, at [email protected].
