NEXT GENERATION —
Brian Dillon AST Trust Chairman
A silver lining amongst the disruption As we reflect on 2021 and all of the disruption it presented, many of us will be thinking ‘surely 2022 must be better?’ Unfortunately, many of the key indicators suggest that it could be just as tough, with interest rates set to shift, supply chain pressures around for a while yet, and employment to stay at 4% or below. The latter of those pressures, that of staffing, has increased in profile in the last two years or so, as employers, and the wider sector consider what different approaches could be taken to attract and retain staff. It’s probably fair to say that an extra dollar or two per hour will only be attractive for so long, and that other, more person-centric approaches are now been seen as the ones to adopt. One element of this retention approach is supporting of training for staff, and as we move further into the transition into Te Pūkenga – the merging of all polytechnics (ITPs) and Industry training Organisations (ITOs) – the opportunities for a greater array of training will emerge. No longer will an employer or employee be limited to what their local polytechnic offers, or the trades in which an ITO operates. Te Pūkenga will open up access to a broader offering, and being delivered in more ways – online, blended, face-to-face, in-work, and more. Micro-credentials will come to the fore – smaller
chunks of learning which have value in their own right, and which don’t necessarily lead to a qualification (but may do in time). The Industry Training Association Building (ITAB) management met recently to discuss the future of ITAB under Te Pūkenga. Robust discussion took place about the purpose and intent of ITAB, and the value it’s provided over the years, and we also questioned the relevance and role of ITAB as the tertiary environment undergoes significant change. The ITAB provider partners met the following day, to look at ITAB from a provider perspective. No decisions were made at these huis; instead, recommendations will be presented to the New Zealand Certified Builders Board in February or March. I trust you’ve all managed to enjoy a decent break away from work and have come back refreshed and ready to tackle another year in this very rewarding industry. Ka kite anō
Are you in dispute over the interior finishing and completion of a project? We have specialised assessors who can provide an independent report to review what has happened - call AWCI today.
