From May 2013, NZMA will deliver Wintec’s Level 4 Certificate in Building, accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. The 40-week programme is an ideal lead-in to a building apprenticeship, and graduates are likely to be in hot demand among construction employers.
NZMA director of business development Mark Worsop says there is a huge shortage of skilled tradespeople in the sector.
“We’re keen to help meet the needs of the industry,” he says. “Students will graduate with basic industry knowledge and skills to enter the workforce as partly-qualified tradespeople, well advanced towards registration as builders and able to continue their apprenticeship training in the workplace to complete their National Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4),” Mr Worsop says.
Dr David Gatley, who has been appointed to set up and run the programme, spent nine years as a senior academic staff member in Unitec’s School of Architecture and its School of the Built Environment (Construction and Engineering). He has also worked as a design manager, architect and project manager.
The hands-on programme includes a mix of classroom teaching, outdoor projects and construction site visits. NZMA has also partnered with prefabricated designer home company, Go-Homes, to ensure students gain the relevant practical skills they need.
“As part of the course, the students will build a Go-Homes prefabricated dwelling. This will give them experience in all aspects of construction, from start to finish. The skills they learn will definitely ensure they have a leading edge when it comes to gaining an apprenticeship,” Mr Worsop says.
Although construction is a new programme for NZMA — known primarily for its hospitality and business training — Wintec has been involved in construction training for many years, and its programme is well established and aligned to industry needs. And NZMA and Wintec have a long experience of partnering to deliver programmes.
Wintec regional engagement manager Edgar Wilson says he is looking forward to working with NZMA again.
“Wintec was pleased to be invited by NZMA to provide the accreditation for the Level 4 Certificate in Building. Wintec takes pride in effectively collaborating with a number of tertiary institutes, and we are delighted that our association with NZMA will enable students to gain an essential and relevant qualification,” Mr Edgar says.
NZMA chairman and joint chief executive Tim Cullinane says he is delighted to be able to help address Auckland’s skills shortage in construction, and deliver quality construction training to young Aucklanders.
“As well as gaining a well-respected qualification, graduates will get help securing an apprenticeship through NZMA’s dedicated recruitment services,” Mr Cullinane says.
“We expect our construction graduates will be sought after by New Zealand employers, as are all our graduates. It’s part of our commitment to students to leave NZMA employment-ready, with the skills, attitudes and motivation to succeed in the workplace,” he says.
