Support the New Zealand Certificate in Forestry Leadership (and associated micro-credentials) [Level 5] – new qualification
Industry identified a gap in progression in Forestry qualifications and a skills gap around leadership and succession planning. The New Zealand Certificate in Forestry Leadership (Level 5), which can also be undertaken as three stackable micro-credentials, provides the Forestry industry with people who have knowledge and skills to provide leadership and supervise others. The forestry industry will benefit by having people with leadership capabilities to enhance operational performance.
Support new qualifications and resulting programmes from the planned 2023 review of the Forestry qualifications suite
The Forestry industry is struggling to attract and retain staff, at a time when changing technology and potential regulation changes, are increasing the need for new skills. A lack of clear career pathways make it difficult to attract people into the industry, and there is a need for leadership skills. Pastoral care that considers the needs of the whole person has also shown to impact positively on learner achievement.
Building on the new New Zealand Certificate in Forestry Leadership (Level 5), we have a review of the suite of forestry qualifications planned. We will be working with industry, providers, and other stakeholders, to have a suite of forestry qualifications that provide clear career pathways; provide the skills needed for a changing industry and enable movement across the industry.
We anticipate new programmes to be available by June 2024.
Support programmes that have a focus on ‘earn as you learn’ training
Industry has told us that the existing delivery and assessment of Forestry industry qualifications don’t fit learner needs, and the way in which learners are taught and assessed on the job makes it challenging for employers to support learners, both financially and in terms of time.
Alongside the Forestry qualifications review, Muka Tangata will be supporting providers to develop, deliver, and assess programmes exploring different ways in which programmes can be delivered that meet the diverse needs of learners and employers. This includes ensuring programmes enable workers to undertake hands-on learning on the job and that suitable assessment methods, including the use of naturally occurring evidence, company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and verification, are available to support or replace current largely bookwork assessments.
Increase workforce diversity – support programmes that improve the participation of women
Women only formed 22% of the Forestry workforce in 2020, the lowest participation rate in the food and fibre sector, and were only 6% of learners in 2021.