We’re excited to bring you the latest updates, insights, and stories from our journey towards building a skilled, and qualified workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand, across the health, education, community and social sectors. Thank you for being a part of our workforce community. Each edition will keep you informed about our programmes, initiatives, and events, as well as share resources to help you either as a provider or a person interested in the work we do.
You’ll see in our update below we have been working hard to complete our ambitious work programme before our 1 October deadline for submissions to NZQA.
The team has been working hard to develop new products, as well as undertake reviews and ensure providers meet their NZQA submission timeframes too.
Since last month’s update, we have now had the opportunity to meet with the Establishment Advisory Group (EAG) for the new Health and Community Industry Skills Board (ISB).
We’re in the process of providing Chair Jen Pelvin and members Orquidea Tamayo Mortera and Tamati Shepherd-Wipiti with all of the relevant information they need to ensure a smooth and successful handover to the ISB on 1 January.
We’ll continue to meet with them over the coming weeks and months as they develop an initial organisational structure for the ISB as a matter of priority. We’ll be providing as much support as is required to ensure that you, as our stakeholders, have as little disruption as possible during this period of change.
In case you missed it, the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) is finalising the detailed coverage for each of the eight Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) and you have an opportunity to have your say by Friday 29 August.
They particularly want to hear from industry representatives who were not part of the initial coverage consultation process and receive any suggestions about the alignment of your industry or sector with the proposed list. You can find the list and more information on how to provide feedback on the TEC website.
Ngā mihi Sean McKinley Chief Executive
Health and community care workers will soon benefit from a new suite of micro-credentials, leading towards the attainment of the New Zealand Certificate in Long-Term Health Conditions qualification (Level 3) (55 credits).
Toitū te Waiora Workforce Development Council developed a suite of skill standards, micro-credentials, and qualification, in collaboration with Diabetes New Zealand, Arthritis New Zealand Matemōpōpōna Aotearoa, Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand, and the Heart Foundation, with support from Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora. Read more on our website.
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the recent national consultation on the Level 3 Disability Support Skill Standards. We’re now reviewing this alongside our Disability Support Consultation Group (DSCG) and making final adjustments.
We’re also pleased to share that the New Zealand Certificate in Disability Support (Level 3 and Level 4) qualification documents are now open for national consultation. These have been co-designed with disabled people, whānau, employers, TEOs, and the wider disability community.
We plan to submit both the skill standards and qualifications to NZQA for approval by the end of September. Feedback closes at 5pm, Friday 12 September.
Thanks to those of you who took the time to have your say on the draft Health and Wellbeing core skill standards consultation last month. These skill standards across Levels 2,3 and 4 have been designed to be transferable across roles and settings in the health and wellbeing sector.
Feedback gathered will be used to refine the core skill standards before they are submitted to NZQA for approval in September. Keep an eye on our website for further updates.
Developed in collaboration with Community Housing Aotearoa and supported by sector stakeholders, this qualification has been developed to reflect current best practice and the aspirations of the community housing sector.
Help shape this qualification to ensure it meets the real needs of the sector by providing feedback by 5:00pm, Friday 12 September. Visit our website for more information.
If you are a Tertiary Education Organisation (TEO) interested in delivering this qualification please get in touch.
Four smoking cessation unit standards are under review and new skill standards will be developed to create clearer pathways for learners and strengthen stop-smoking services throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
We want to hear from anyone with an interest in tobacco control and smoking cessation. Head to our website to find out how you can join our consultation group or to stay up to date with this project.
In collaboration with Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, three skill standards and a micro-credential have been developed in response to training gaps identified during the Toitū te Waiora 2024 Health and Wellbeing qualification review.
These will build workforce capability and support to access to timely and effective, culturally safe eye care. Have your say by 5:00pm,12 September.
Toitū te Waiora is pleased to advise that the reviewed Pharmacy Technician and Assistant qualifications have been approved by NZQA.
