This additional work is in direct response to the needs of industry.

Welding

Separate welding qualifications are making a welcome return to the engineering industry.

About ten years ago, separate welding qualifications were disestablished, instead becoming part of other qualifications, such as mechanical or automotive engineering.

But listening to the needs of industry, it’s clear this approach has not served employers or learners well.

Competenz, the former Industry Training Organisation now part of Te Pūkenga, began this mahi, passing it to our Industry Standards tīma as part of our establishment handover. We received funding to further progress this work from TEC earlier this year.

Then, at the beginning of June, we received approval for two new welding qualifications, one at Level 3 and one at Level 4. In parallel, we are reviewing the existing unit standards in the space and creating any new unit standards that are needed.

Other products in development

In addition to the already planned qualifications reviews for 2022, our tīma has identified four sectors that need urgent training solutions, and these have been added to the workplan.

They are:

• Digital Skills (Level 4)
• Industrial textiles (Level 4)
• Irrigation
• Ski Lift Mechanic.

Plus, from August, Workforce Development Councils will be able to create, access and moderate micro-credentials – an area we know our industries are keen to see us develop quickly.

For more information or to contribute to any of our qualification reviews, please email us.