Career starters SKILLS COLUMN
GETTING GOING ONLINE Skills explain how their new online learning works for year-one apprentices. During 2021, Skills reviewed our apprenticeship programmes to include online learning components. We wanted to ease demand on block course availability across the provider network, and help trainees complete their programmes quickly. In 2022, we’ve rolled out the revised Plumbing and Drainlaying, and Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying programmes (v3) for all new trainees. This includes those who have already entered a training agreement but haven’t yet started block courses. To access the online learning components, trainees should set up their My Skills login as soon as they’ve completed enrolment. They’ll also get a learning pack containing all the year one materials, such as study guides and year one on-job assessments. There are now four main components to training as an apprentice: 1. Learning and experience gained on-job 2. Online learning modules the trainee works through 3. Online assessments for their theory 4. Practical block courses attended with a training provider. Employers are encouraged to keep track of their trainees’ online learning progress and provide on-job experience in the practical aspects. Ask to look through your trainees’ year one on-job assessments and help them plan when these could be completed.
ICE acquired by Skills Consulting Group Industry Connection for Excellence (ICE) is a PGD training provider based in East Tāmaki and Ōtaki. Founded by PGD industry groups, The Skills Organisation and Auckland polytechnics in 2016, ICE recently won recognition from NZQA as a PTE. As of 1 June, ICE has joined Skills Consulting Group’s stable of education and training brands. The team at Skills intend to keep investing in innovative training techniques and supporting trainees to achieve their best outcomes. Looking further ahead, ICE is soon to start working with the Roofing Association of New Zealand as they continue meeting the roofing industry’s shortage of training provision. It’s also preparing to expand into a new location. Watch this space. For more information, contact Skills at skills.org.nz or 0508 754 557. Reach ICE at icexl.co.nz or 0508 442 395.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO GET OUT OF THE TRADES WHEN YOU GET OFF THE TOOLS. If you're an experienced PGD professional who loves to share your knowledge, we need your help training the next generation of plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers. With innovative training techniques like Hololens™ augmented reality and online delivery, your future looks bright. Talk to us today about becoming a trainer at ICE. Phone: 0508 4ICEXL (0508 442 395) or visit icexl.co.nz.
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