Moving with the times

Introducing the new PGD Level 4 programmes, plus an update on the Skills transition.

Welcoming better digital integration

The Covid pandemic has proven beyond a doubt that it’s important for PGD trainees to access a programme that’s less reliant on in-person block course delivery. With the new PGD Level 4 programmes, endorsed by industry, Skills is now able to meet that need with better digital integration.

PGD Level 4 has been designed to better fit industry needs and will provide trainees with the opportunity to progress faster by completing the online theory at their own pace.

The programmes are available now for all new apprentices. If you have any questions or want to know more, please call 0508 SKILLS or touch base with your Skills account manager.

Skills ITO transition plan gains approval

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) has formally approved Skills’ transition plan to transfer its arranging training functions, learners and employees across to Te Pūkenga and six different Private Training Establishments (PTEs).

Skills is the eighth transitional ITO to have its plan approved under the Government’s Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE ). With seven receiving organisations and three transition dates (1 July, 1 September and 1 October 2022), Skills’ transition plan was described by TEC as the most complex by far.

Currently Skills manages programmes leading to 100 qualifications across 22 industries for 11,800 apprentices, 6,200 trainees and 5,000 employers. It employs over 300 staff across the country and supports a wide range of industries across electrical, plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying, scaffolding, roofing and cranes.

The new PGD Level 4 programmes enable trainees to complete theory learning online. This trainee is using a virtual reality headset available for learners at ICE, the newly NZQAregistered Private Training Establishment (PTE) located in Auckland and Wellington.

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Under the transition plan, around 57% of Skills’ learners will transition to Te Pūkenga subsidiary Work Based Learning Limited (WBL). The rest will be split across six different PTEs:

Industry Connection for Excellence (ICE)

Vertical Horizonz (VHNZ)

Electrical Training Company (Etco)

Strategi Institute

St John

Ignite Colleges.

Chief Executive Garry Fissenden says Skills has been grateful to have the support of its industries and employers behind its transition plan, describing it as a complex but highly satisfying project. “We’re proud of getting this transition plan approved, and of TEC’s endorsement that this is a good way forward. We’ve now passed another hurdle and we’re all go for the future.”

The relevant receiving organisations for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying (PGD) are ICE and Te Pūkenga.

ICE is a PTE newly registered with NZQA, with five years’ experience in delivering innovative and high-quality training to PGD apprentices. It was established in 2016 as a collaboration between industry stakeholders, The Skills Organisation, and Auckland polytechnics.

ICE stands out because of its industry connection, offering relevant, up-to-date tutors and content; and its innovative and flexible delivery. It’s located in Auckland and Wellington with plans to expand.

Branch Manager – Putāruru

Our Branch Manager - Putāruru is responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of the branch. This means looking after our staff and our customers, while ensuring the branch is financially successful too. The current Branch Manager and our Regional Manager are both available to mentor and develop a senior plumber wanting to progress their career to the next level, but if you are experienced and ready to go now, we’d love to hear from you too. To apply head to our website www.foleys.co.nz or for a confidential discussion call our Regional Manager, Wayne on 021 992 937.

The cost to place a classified advertisement is $120+GST for Master Plumbers members; $200+GST for non-members. Email advertising@masterplumbers.org.nz