Change as the Norm

The government may have coined 2019 the ‘year of delivery’, but for the construction sector, and particularly the training within that, it feels like the year of change(s).

In February, a proposal (known as RoVE – Review of Vocational Education) was announced, that would see all 16 polytechnics become one, as well as folding in the 11 Industry Training Organsiations (ITOs). A number of changes, some significant, have been proposed to the Building Act and, more recently, we have seen some polytechnics changing their structures to better reflect their size and focus.

Despite a relatively short consultation period for RoVE, it’s taken another few months for any more information to come out, but now (following the ministerial announcement in early August), some more detail has emerged. The next two years will be a transition period for polytechnics and ITOs alike, but with a commitment to having the least amount of disruption possible to students, apprentices, and employers. A change of this magnitude will take several years to fully embed, and it’s pleasing to hear that the focus of employers and Industry Training Association Building (ITAB) providers is on best supporting our current crop of apprentices in the best way possible.

Following a recent Facebook (FB) discussion from New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) members

about the virtues of different apprenticeship models is testament to that – in the end most agreed it’s about what’s best for the apprentice and employer (and that’s pretty good for a FB discussion!).

The 2019, NZCB Apprenticeship Challenge finals were a successful part of another NZCB conference, and to ensure the continued success the AST as a key supporter will be contributing to reviewing the event with an eye to making it even better. A number of people at the conference asked ‘how long has it (the finals event) been going now?’ The first event was in 2010, with the announcement of winners being made in a side room while other parts of the conference were going on. We’ve certainly evolved since then, with significant sponsors now supporting it, and the presentations a highlight of the Saturday evening function. I think it’s fair to say that the abilities of the finalists continue to be top-notch, too.

Amongst all of this seems to be an ongoing commitment to train, and be trained, in this rewarding sector. We are committed to continuing the functions of AST, to ensure the support is available for those who need it.