4 minute read
A new learning model for RLNZ
By combining conventional education with online learning, RLNZ’s blended learning is making it easier to upskill
With theory and a simulated practical delivered face-toface, the previous learning model made it difficult for everyone to be involved, but now even those in remote parts of the country can participate.
“What we found with the old way is that we were training people on something that might have actually been quite new to them,” says RLNZ chair and regional training manager for Black Diamond Technologies, Matt Birch. “As a result, the course has been entirely rebuilt, with students now required to come with prior knowledge, experience and competency. We’ve taken the training out of the course, because this is a course to review your skill set on doing a recovery – it’s not a course to train you on how to do it.”
Garrett Glynn, RLNZ board trustee, adds: “The theory assessment was taken immediately upon conclusion of the learning. It was conducted in a relaxed style where if a candidate was not sure of the correct answer, they could often expect help from either the presenter or a fellow candidate.”
How does the new learning model work?
• Theory learning is completed in the candidate’s own time. It allows them to enrol and take their theory lessons when it best suits them.
• It doesn’t impinge on the candidate’s working time with their employer.
• The online delivery allows all theory material to remain current to the latest industry and regulatory requirements. Any updates can be readily changed or added.
• The practical is conducted at a premises that best suits the candidate. This tends to help their performance by removing the stress of a foreign environment, and allows them to better control their local (hazard-managed) conditions.
• The practical assessment can be scheduled for a time that best suits the student’s and their company’s time demands.
• The theory and practical assessment fees are lower than the alternatives, plus candidates save on travel and accommodation costs.
“Once the tasks are completed, I have had a number of discussions with the candidates about what they felt about the process,” shares Garrett. “Many have commented that having to describe what they were doing at the same time as doing what they had to, helped them achieve a tidier result.” Many have also commented that their theory knowledge has already positively impacted the way they approach this work.
Course verifiers
Gold and silver verifiers host the practical aspect of the course, explains Matt: “We appointed four gold verifiers for the country and those four gold verifiers create silver verifiers – silver verifiers go out and verify yourself and your skill set. If you work in the trade and you’re ready to get your fillers licence, you’ve done your theory courses online, you’ve got all of your experience and equipment, then you can make a phone call to a silver verifier –hopefully from your town – who will come out and do your practical with you face-to-face.”
“Companies can benefit by having trained staff with current qualifications,” adds Garrett. “There’s further benefit in some cases where companies may also become eligible to become a silver verifier where they obtain ‘in-house’ verification capability.”
RLNZ courses available:
A1 Approved Fillers Theory Course
A2/A2L Approved Filler Theory Course
An example of this is McAlpine Hussmann. The company has booked 200 people into the fillers course, and a number of these staff members are being authorised as silver verifiers to verify their own staff. “That gives huge benefits to the company. Now they don’t have to pay a person to do a practical course, because they can actually do it themselves,” says Matt.
By being more cost-effective and convenient, RLNZ hopes more and more people in the industry will get involved. rlnz.org.nz
