Major review of industry qualifications underway

The Manufacturing and Engineering Industry Skills Board (MAISB) is progressing an industry-led qualifications review. 

It involves reviewing the NZ Certificate in Marina Facilities (L4) with strands in Boatyard Operations, and Marina Operations Qualifications and standards. 

A Qualification Advisory Group with support from Dave Withington (Upmojo Ltd) with Sarah Barrell (Viaduct Marina) working on behalf of NZMOA has completed a list of skills and knowledge required in boatyard and marina roles, a draft structure for the qualification, a timeline for the qualification review, and a plan for communicating and drop-in sessions for industry and providers.

Dave Withington

For learners, the entry point will be unqualified workers already in the marina space, or an apprentice brand new to the industry. On finishing Level 3 the individual will be ready to work as a yard-hand or dock-hand. Completion of level 4 ensures the learner is ready to be a dock master.

Sarah Barrell

For the next step, a small and focused Technical Advisory Group (TAG) will be established to commence the review ahead of industry consultation later this year, and submission to NZQA. TAG will be responsible for standards and qualifications. Where as education providers will design the resources and programme. The TAG will work through standards and qualifications, whereas education providers will design the resources and program. 

A Level 5 qualification is also intended as an aspirational future step and MAEISB encourages continued collaboration between NZMOA and MAST Academy.