FIELD                        ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

 

Review and Replacement of Electronics Technology qualification

 

National Certificate in Electronics Technology (Level 4) with strands in Communications and Radar, Consumer Products, and Office Automation [Ref: 0409]

 

The ElectroTechnology Industry Training Organisation has completed the review of the above qualification that was registered in November 1997.

 

Replacement qualification

 

National Certificate in Electronic Engineering (Level 4) [Ref:  xxxx1123]

 

Date new versions published                        MMMM September 2004

 

 

Outline of review process

 

A strategic review of electronics qualifications registered by the ElectroTechnology Industry Training Organisation was carried out in conjunction with representatives from the electronics industry, training providers, Boating Industry Training Organisation and the Royal New Zealand Navy.  This identified significant changes to the training programmes and qualifications for technicians engaged in servicing, installation, and maintenance of electronic products.

 

As a result, extensive changes were made to existing standards, and new standards were created to meet the need.  The review also recognises the teaching of electronics in high schools and at diploma level, and aims at greatly improved pathways and synergies with related industries.  This in turn should lead to improved teaching programmes for technicians.

 

Because of the complexities, and to allow for the introduction of courses at the earliest opportunity, the new qualifications were introduced in stages.  The National Certificate in Electronic Engineering (Level 4) [Ref: 1123] is the last in the series, replacing the National Certificate in Electronics Technology (Level 4) with strands in Communications and Radar, Consumer Products, and Office Automation [Ref: 0409].

 

 

Main changes resulting from the review

 

The last date to meet the requirements of the National Certificate in Electronics Technology (Level 4) with strands in Communications and Radar, Consumer Products, and Office Automation [Ref: 0409] is now 31 December 2010.  The National Certificate in Electronic Engineering (Level 4) [Ref:  xxxx1123] has been provided to replace it.

 

The term Electronic Engineering, as used in the title of this and the corresponding lower level qualifications, is intended to convey an industry slant, expressed in the content by the inclusion of industry generic and safety skills, as well as fundamental electronics theory.  By contrast, the term Electronics Technology, as used in the National Certificate in Electronics Technology (Level 2) [Ref: 0240] for example, indicates the absence of such additional skills.

 

Major changes in the replacement qualification:

 

·          significant differences, in terms of content, between the new and replaced qualifications;

·          more appropriate and up-to-date unit standards;

·          improved pathways between lower and higher qualifications in electronics;

·          improved assessability;

·          greater flexibility in delivery programmes;

·          introduction of two elective components and the elimination of the strands; and

·          change of credit value from 67-70 to 100.

 

Transition

 

Industry will continue to recognise the former qualification, and there should be no need to 'upgrade' by those who have already achieved it.

 

Programmes leading to the new qualification are being introduced from 2004.  The last date to meet the requirements of the former qualification is 31 December 2010.  Trainees Candidates may either complete the existing qualification prior to December 2010 or transfer to the new qualification with the following exemptions:

 

This qualification contains standards that replace earlier standards.  For the purposes of this qualification people who have gained credit for these standards are exempt from the requirement to gain credit for the replacement standards.

 

Existing cCredit for Standards

Exempt from requirement for

8203 + + 8204 + + 8208 ++ 8209 + + 8210 + + 8217 + + (8189 or 8202 or 8215 or 8216)

20712 + + 20713 + + 20714 + + 20715

Any 3 three from: 6053, 6054, 6055, 6056, 6064

20724

 

This qualification contains classifications that replace earlier classifications.  For the purposes of this qualification, people who have gained credit for standards in the lapsing or lapsed classifications may use those credits to meet the elective credits requirements.

 

Credits for standards in

Count towards qualification requirements where the following is specified

Engineering and Technology/>Electronics Technology/>Consumer Electronics

Engineering and Technology/>Electronic Engineering

Engineering and Technology/>Electronics Technology/>Communications and Radar Electronics

Engineering and Technology/>Electronics Technology/>Electronic Office Automation

 

 

It is not intended that anyone be disadvantaged by this review, and the above arrangements have been designed for a smooth transition.  However, anyone who feels they have been disadvantaged may appeal to:

 

Group Manager Electrotechnology

ElectroTechnology Industry Training Organisation

PO Box 24 469

ROYAL OAK

Auckland 1030

Telephone            09 524 6524