Progress Update & Webinar Invitation

Addressing training gaps in high-risk work

Short courses play a vital role in ensuring workers in high-risk environments—such as cranes, scaffolding, working at height, elevated work platforms, and wheels, tracks, and rollers (WTR)—have the skills and knowledge to work safely and effectively.

However, industry feedback and our investigations have shown that current training and assessment practices aren’t consistently meeting the intended outcomes of the unit standards. This gap is affecting both training quality and employer confidence in graduates’ competency.

To tackle this, we spent 2024 gathering evidence on the scale of the issue. We visited training providers, observed course delivery, carried out targeted post-assessment moderation of unit standards, and reviewed pre-assessment moderation applications. We also engaged with industry and training providers to explore potential solutions.

The reports below detail our findings and recommendations:
Download full report
Download summary report

Moving forward: what we’ve achieved so far

Building on these insights, we’ve taken significant steps this year to strengthen short-course training. So far, we have:

• consulted with WorkSafe, NZQA, CHASNZ, and other WDCs to align our approach
• developed an initial Guidance Document for industry, providers, and secondary schools
• begun compiling a database of assessors currently assessing these unit standards
• conducted targeted post-assessment moderation for secondary school-reported standards
• ensured the project’s findings inform current and future qualification and standard reviews
• kept industry and providers updated on our progress and next steps.

Join our Webinar: Next Steps & Guidance Document

We’re now inviting all industry stakeholders, training providers, and interested parties to our upcoming webinar. This session will cover:

• a brief update on project progress
• an overview of the new Guidance Document, including key principles and example guidance for unit standards
• key timelines, including the public consultation period, the final publication date, and when the requirements will come into effect.

Register now to secure your spot and stay informed about these important developments in short-course training.