ContractorTraining

Civil Trades regime launched

The first Certified Civil Tradespeople were honoured at the Civil Trades national launch, which took place at parliament on December 1st. The group, made up of 14 experienced operators from around the country, were part of a pilot programme for the Civil Trades Recognition of Current Competence (RCC) pathway.

RCC IS ONE OF THREE available ways to become a Certified Civil Tradesperson. The process involves experienced operators being assessed to a Level 4 Civil Infrastructure Trades Qualification. To obtain the qualification, the new graduates demonstrated, through evidence they gathered with the support of the Connexis customer service account managers, that they had a minimum of five years’ experience and had worked at a highly skilled level for at least one year. This evidence was assessed against the qualification, and the group were then evaluated for the Civil Trades Certificate.

The new RCC process represents a step change in the way qualifications are assessed in the civil infrastructure space. The aim of the pilot programme was for industry to get familiar with the new RCC assessment model for the new Infrastructure Civil Trades Qualifications. It was also an opportunity for the Civil Trades Certification board to confirm that the evaluations for the Civil Trades Certificate are being carried out at the correct level.

The board selected the candidates for the pilot programme to ensure small, medium and large companies spread from Northland to Southland were all represented. Despite their diverse backgrounds, a recurring theme among candidates was their pride at finally gaining formal recognition of their skills and experience. A number of candidates who have previously achieved industry qualifications commented that the RCC process was a lot more relevant and straightforward. In the words of one candidate, it cut out a lot of unnecessary paperwork and didn’t try to teach him to “suck eggs”.

Civil Trades has been developed by Civil Contractors New Zealand and industry training organisation Connexis, and is supported by the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT). CCNZ chair Dave Connell says, “Civil Trades will benefit those working in the industry, their employers and their clients. At long last those people building our roads, bridges, ports, tunnels and pipelines will get the respect they deserve for their skills and experience.”

Dave cautions that acceptance of Civil Trades will be a longer process. “Our tradespeople don’t come into contact with the public to the same extent as builders, plumbers and electricians. We are the invisible workforce that builds our highways, bridges and utilities. We therefore need to work harder than other trades in promoting ourselves. We all need to play our part by supporting our industry at careers days at schools, and at job expos.”

The Civil Infrastructure Trades Qualifications are currently being finalised. Enrolment will be open in early 2016, and contractors are encouraged to contact Connexis to register their interest now.

INTRODUCING THE FIRST CERTIFIED CIVIL TRADESPEOPLE IN NEW ZEALAND

Congratulations to the following who were part of the Civil Trades RCC pilot scheme:

• Barry Bowen, City Care, Christchurch 

• Kenny Brown, Fulton Hogan, Christchurch 

• Joe Fraser, Goodman Contractors, Waikanae

• Che Gallagher, Fletcher Construction, Christchurch 

• Wes Jefferys, City Care, Christchurch 

• Richard Leach, Higgins Contractors, Wellington 

• Robert Matete, Downer NZ, Gisborne 

• Scott McKenzie, Ching Contracting, Nelson 

• Ross McLaren, Andrew Haulage, Balclutha 

• Matt Paget, Higgins Contractors, Mount Maunganui 

• Joshua Rapihana, Downer NZ, Auckland 

• Ray Scott, McConnell Dowell, Auckland 

• Wayne Smith, HEB Construction, Auckland 

• Billy West, Fulton Hogan, Northland

We’ll be profiling these people in future issues of Contractor 

CIVIL TRADES AT A GLANCE

A structured career pathway and recognised trade for the Civil Infrastructure Industry

How it works

• Civil Infrastructure Trades Qualification (Level 4), plus

• 8,000 hours of practical experience (around 4 years) including 2,000 hours at Level 4 competency.

• On successful completion of the above, candidates apply to become a Certified Civil Tradesperson.

Three specialisations

Choose from three Civil Trades specialisations:

• Road Construction and Maintenance

• Pipeline Construction and Maintenance

• Road Surfacing

For further information talk to your Industry Training Organisation, CONNEXIS ITO
0800 486 626   

askus@connexis.org.nz    

www.civiltrades.co.nz

THREE WAYS TO CIVIL TRADES CERTIFICATION

Experienced employees who have worked in the Civil Infrastructure Industry for 5+ years.

Assessment to a Civil Infrastructure Trades Qualification based on candidate’s skills and knowledge.

Candidates demonstrate via logbook or other documentation a minimum of five years’ experience with at least one year at a high level of skill.

Once qualification and required hours are completed, candidates apply for Civil Trades certificate.

Those new to civil infrastructure or transferring from another industry.  Open to everyone with no age restrictions.

Apprentice obtains a Civil Infrastructure Trades Qualification over a 2-3 year period. During this time they will gain 6000 hours of industry experience.

On completion of Civil Infrastructure Trades qualification, apprentice completes another 2000 hours of experience at a high level of skill to obtain total 8000 hours.

On successful completion of qualification and required hours, apprentice can apply for Civil Trades certificate.

Those who have had less than five years in the civil infrastructure industry and obtained some unit standards or a Level 2 or Level 3 certificate.

Candidate finishes the next qualification in their sector pathway, together with the total 8000 hours required.

Once qualification and required hours are completed, candidate can apply for Civil Trades certificate.

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