Training for careers in plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying (PGD) has been given an upgrade thanks to new apprenticeship programmes launched by EarnLearn today.
The new suite of Level 4 apprenticeships is called the Industry Trained Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying Apprenticeships. The programmes have been designed to align with new PGD qualifications and to meet the needs and expectations of both employers and apprentices across New Zealand.
The apprenticeships are made up of six new PGD training programmes, plus an additional ‘on-site wastewater treatment systems’ optional strand for the drainlaying programmes. The new structure offers more flexibility around which PGD programme, or combination of programmes, an apprentice can choose from.
Once apprentices have completed their chosen programme they will achieve the formal qualification of a New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and/or Drainlaying.
Year 1 of the new programme launches today with Health and Safety modules being the first units to complete.
PGD apprentices currently enrolled with EarnLearn will continue with their current training programme. As the new apprenticeship programmes are rolled out, there may become the opportunity for current apprentices to transfer to these new training programmes. Should this occur, EarnLearn Account Managers will be in contact with the apprentice to discuss transitioning to the new programmes. This will be dependent on each individual apprentice and where they are within their training programme to ensure no apprentice would be disadvantaged in transitioning across to the new programme.
Changes to the programmes include:
- More workplace training and assessment, and online learning support.
- The ability to load all practical evidence directly via EarnLearn’s My eLearning platform for fast assessment and recording of unit standards.
- The new training delivery options provide an opportunity for industry qualified employers to become in-house assessors and play a greater role in the training and assessment of their apprentices. Allowing companies to provide their own workplace assessor.
- EarnLearn external assessors are available to undertake workplace assessments.
- Improved consistency in block course training with unified teaching plans.
EarnLearn Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says the goal of the new EarnLearn apprenticeship training programmes is to make sure New Zealand’s PGD workforce is able to grow to meet demand while being equipped with the skills and knowledge that are relevant to today’s industry and recognised through national qualifications.
“The changes are refocusing the training programmes on industry training that is undertaken on-the-job, with a more streamlined and efficient training structure, so apprentices stay on track for successful completion. Employers can be assured their apprentice receives the required training support to gain the skills and qualification that is set at a national level.” says Gaukrodger.
New PGD programmes at a glance:
- A new suite of Level 4 apprenticeship programmes launched today.
- There are six new PGD training programmes, plus an additional ‘on-site wastewater treatment systems’ optional strand for the drainlaying programmes.
- Each programme starts with health and safety courses to ensure apprentices are kept safe while working on-site.
- All apprentices attend an initial common block course which includes an induction into their chosen training campus; an apprenticeship programme overview and gives apprentices the opportunity to build a network of other local apprentices training to become a plumber, gasfitter and/or drainlayer.
- All practical evidence required to achieve unit standards is loaded directly to My eLearning by the apprentice, where it can be assessed and reported to the apprentices Record of Achievement.
- EarnLearn Account Managers are the main contact for any questions about PGD training needs and will keep in touch with apprentices and employers throughout the programme.
Click here to find out more about the new PGD training and apprenticeship programmes. Existing EarnLearn customers can also contact their Account Manager.
