|
The gas industry’s commitment to safety and reduction of risk involves considerable attention to training and development of competencies.
This section outlines the work being undertaken by the industry to ensure that those working on the networks and in and around private property have the appropriate competencies and skills to do the job safely and effectively.
Industry training
EXITO (the Extractive Industry’s ITO) is one of over 40 industry training organisations in New Zealand. Industry Training concentrates on workplace learning to raise employee’s skills. Formed in 1996 by Government Statute, EXITO works with industry based experts; New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and training providers, to provide industry with work based training and career pathways.
A review of the gas industry’s unit standards was completed by EXITO two years ago and a number were updated to meet the current knowledge requirements and skills of those personnel working in the industry.
The review also saw the development of some additional new unit standards to support the incoming Safety Management Systems approach to working on the networks and beyond the GMS.
The National Qualifications Gas Industry Framework
encompasses all qualifications and unit standards for the industry.
For further information on ITO please go to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority website.
Certificates of competence
A new framework, Certificates of Competence, based on the new modern legislation, Energy Safety Review Bill, which is proceeding through Parliament, has been introduced with the first graduates being presented with their certificates in July 2006.
The CoC cards have been formally adopted by the industry as the minimum requirements for those working in the Distribution and Gas Measurement System (GMS) sectors and must be carried at all times by operatives as proof they can undertake the prescribed level of work.
Those who pass level one are able to work as trainees, level two as trades operative assistants, level three as trades operatives and lastly level four as technicians. Level three is the minimum competency level required to work unsupervised on gas distribution and GMS networks.
The cards mark a significant step forward for the industry which is, by establishing a national framework for the Certificate of Competency, moving to create consistency and safety across all gas industry sectors.
The gas industry has made a commitment to both manage and report upon this competency requirement routinely. This will sit neatly within the changing energy legislation which will empower the new Safety Management Systems (SMS). The cards will become an integral part of those systems as introduced via the Energy Safety Review Bill.
Gas industry modern apprenticeship
A gas industry modern apprenticeship programme with EXITO has a number of trainees working through structured training programmes. This is a mentored approach and is anticipated that additional opportunities will arise for further trainees.
|
