In November 2024, Waihanga Ara Rau responded to several concerns raised by industry and training providers about Access Systems unit standards and qualifications.
Key issues included challenges with training delivery, the suitability of training products, and gaps in training and available resources. These issues are further compounded by unknown implications from health and safety reforms.
Waihanga Ara Rau’s Short Course Training project also highlighted that some existing standards may not be suitable for different audiences who need access systems skills.
As a result, we’ve expanded our planned review of Industry Rope Access qualifications to include a wider range of access systems including Scaffolding and Elevated Working Platforms (EWPs).
Waihanga Ara Rau will work with tāngata whai mana (stakeholders) to investigate these issues and inform the future design of standards, qualifications and micro-credentials for recognising Access Systems skills.
Phase 1 focuses on engaging with stakeholders to gather insights, experiences, and recommendations related to Access Systems skills. This will also provide an opportunity to validate feedback we have received via the Short Course Training project about where there might be gaps that are not covered by existing standards.
This discovery phase will involve one-on-one conversations, surveys, site visits, and the collection of feedback to inform Phase 2.
Phase 1 will culminate in a set of recommendations and priorities for Phase 2 which will address key challenges and opportunities.
Phase 2 will begin by reviewing the recommendations from Phase 1 and identifying actionable steps.
This will result in the development of fit for purpose qualifications, micro-credentials and skills standards to better support the access systems skills sector.
Phase 2 will include a review of existing qualifications and standards—resulting in the development of new skill standards—and any new developments required to meet industry needs.
New development
Qualifications to be reviewed
Standards to be reviewed:
We will shortly begin engagement activities to support Phase 1.
This project aims to guide future qualifications and ensure graduates have the right skills, at the right level, to meet industry needs.
To do this effectively, we need input from across the sector—including industry representatives, learners, training providers, and other stakeholders.
You can:
Get in touch – we welcome your feedback at any time.
Questions and comments/Ngā pātai me ngā tākapu?
Please reach out to Stewart Brougham, Qualification Developer, at [email protected].
