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FIELD Engineering and Technology

NAME Qualification Change Report

Review of Electricity Supply qualifications

National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Utility Arborist) (Level 2) with an optional strand in Insulated Tool Work [Ref: 1631]

National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Vegetation Control) (Level 3) [Ref: 0857]

National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Vegetation Control) (Level 4) [Ref: 0858]

Connexis has completed the review of the qualification listed above.

Replacement qualification

New Zealand Certificate in Electricity Supply (Utility Arboriculture) (Level 3) with an optional strand in Insulated Tool Work [Ref: 2613]

Date new versions published September 2015

The next qualification review is planned to take place during 2020.

Summary of review and consultation process

The New Zealand Certificate in Electricity Supply (Utility Arboriculture) (Level 3) with an optional strand in Insulated Tool Work [Ref: 2613] resulted from a wider review of the national electricity supply industry education pathways as part of the Targeted Review of Qualifications. The review process of the qualifications was to ensure that they are fit for purpose and relevant to the Electricity Supply Industry, which included an industry learning needs analysis and consultation with providers and industry. The first industry sector group meeting looked at issues with the existing Level 2 qualification. For example, the qualification had a low uptake, the main reason for which was the prerequisite to have an arborist qualification.

Main changes resulting from the review

- Changes have been made to accurately reflect industry best practice.

- Prerequisite of the National Certificate in Horticulture (Arboriculture) (Level 4) [Ref: 1534] has been removed.

- Graduate profile outcomes reflect the changes in the new Code of Practice.

- The credit value has increased.

- The NZQA level has been increased from Level 2 to Level 3.

The review process concluded in removing the National Certificate in Horticulture (Arboriculture) (Level 4) [Ref: 1534] as a prerequisite. The Approved Code of Practice does not require a pre-requisite to the qualification; however, it requires further evidence of being deemed a competent Arborist as per the Arboriculture Code of Practice.

The review process concluded in expiring the National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Vegetation Control) (Level 3) [Ref: 0857] and the National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Vegetation Control) (Level 4) [Ref: 0858].

National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Utility Arborist) (Level 2) with an optional strand in Insulated Tool Work [Ref: 1631]

replaced by

New Zealand Certificate in Electricity Supply (Utility Arboriculture) (Level 3) with an optional strand in Insulated Tool Work [Ref: 2613]

Review category

See Key to Qualification Review Categories at the end of report

National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Vegetation Control) (Level 3) [Ref: 0857]

National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Vegetation Control) (Level 4) [Ref: 0858]

To be expired

Review category

See Key to Qualification Review Categories at the end of report

Transition

The last date for entry into programmes leading to the category C and D qualifications is 31 December 2016.

The final date for award of the category C and D qualifications is 31 December 2018, at which stage they will be discontinued.

All existing candidates may either complete the requirements of their existing programme or transfer to the replacement qualification according to programme availability.

Graduates of the replaced Level 2 qualification who subsequently proceed to the Level 3 qualification, may be required to complete mandatory unit standards that are requirements for eligibility for Electrical Workers Registration Board revised registration as a Utility Arborist.

Graduates of the the National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Level 2) with optional strands in Electrical, Electrical Fitter, and Line Mechanic [Ref: 1293] may cross credit any unit standards with the same title.

It is anticipated that no existing candidates will be disadvantaged by these transition arrangements. However, anyone who feels that they have been disadvantaged may appeal to Connexis at the address below. Appeals will be considered on a case by case basis.

For further information or comments, contact:

Connexis

40 Mercer Street Wellington 6011

Phone: 04 494 2338

Email: qualifications@connexis.org.nz

Key to Qualification Review Categories

Category A The qualification is published as a new version with the same NZQF ID	Changes are made to SSB name, contact details or purpose statement
	No change is made to title, rules or components of the qualification
	No transition arrangements are required
Category B The qualification is published as a new version with the same NZQF ID	Changes are made to title, rules or components
	The new version of the qualification recognises a similar skill set to that recognised by the previous version
	The SSB is confident that people awarded the new or previous version are comparable in terms of competence
	Transition arrangements are required if candidates must gain additional/different credits for the new version
Category C A new (replacement) qualification is published with new NZQF ID	Significant changes are made to the qualification in terms of components, structure, type or level
	The SSB views people with the replacement qualification as being significantly different in terms of competence from those with the replaced qualification
	Transition arrangements are required
	Transition may be limited to phase-out dates
Category D Qualification will expire. There is no replacement qualification	Qualification is no longer required by industry
	The qualification is designated as expiring and a last date for meeting the qualification requirements is set