Rod Alley
ITaB CONFERENCE
Held at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology December 1, 2010
First one of these I have been to. A well attended meeting, 18 representatives from 11 ITPs. An opportunity to get a heads-up from Derek Baxter and his guest speakers, and to build relationships with other ITPs, to discuss what’s happening in their areas and the issues they are dealing with.
‘Bax’ is involved at the political level with changes that are happening within our industry. He talks to Shane Jones and Maurice Williamson and Steven Joyce (even Anne Tolley if he has to). He generously shares his views, and is not as reluctant to share his personal opinions, as many are at his level.
He asked me to speak to the meeting about SSTS. Many of the ITPs have programmes that are focussed on connecting with their local teenagers, but SSTS is the only one where they spend all their time at the ITP. Other programmes involve sending tutors out to individual schools, or to hubs that are attended by students from several schools. Our system has the advantage of getting marginalised students away from some of their negative influences and we can provide the intensive personalised attention that they need. This improves our chances of retaining them in education. In South Auckland, where students transition from secondary to tertiary at only half the national average, this is a crucial point of difference.
Numbers of trainees at most ITPs have fallen this year. Weltec is an interesting exception because they supervise carpentry training in our prisons (Springhill too). They get very good attendance.
Eve McMahon from NZQA outlined changes to qualifications that are imminent, and the reasons why they think changes are required. Strictly speaking, this is work in progress and can still be influenced by upcoming fora, but the changes are directly related to government directives so there is not likely to be much movement.
There are too many qualifications.
Employers and students and parents are confused.
Many of the 40 ‘level 4’ qualifications with ‘carpentry’ in the title, are basically the same.
There will be strict new requirements to get a new qual approved. Prospective developers will have to show that there is a need for it and that existing quals are inadequate/deficient.
More consultation with stakeholders, and stakeholder support for development (including the ITO) will be mandatory. Dan Fuemana pointed out that this requires collaboration with competitors. The history of relations between ITPs and the ITOs has led to a lack of trust.
All existing qualifications will be reviewed. Some will be cut. The eventual aim is a single qualification (New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry?) but with multiple pathways to get there. There will probably be two different strands, one based on Unit Standards, one not.
Ian Elliot (Plumbing ITO) briefed us on BETA (the Built Environment Training Alliance). It is also a work in progress at this stage, but come and see me if you’re interested. I have the draft publication.
The Rugby World Cup may hinder the recovery of the construction industry in Auckland next year. No road-works will be scheduled during the cup, and building sites that may obstruct access will be strictly limited.
CPIT described their RPL system. There was general agreement that the BCITO is showing increasing interest in this area. This is consistent with the understanding that they are developing a version for their own use.
PRODUCTIVITY
Bax spoke about productivity within the construction industry. It has not improved with the adoption of more technology and specialisation. The buildings we are constructing are costing more and taking just as long. The government is determined to make changes.
Our practice of choosing the lowest tender is partly to blame. Constant pressure to screw the price down, discourages investment in technology and training.
Two ways to increase productivity; Pay current rates and build the project in less time, or take the same time but pay the workers less. The second option is likely to frustrate workers hopes of increased pay in the next few years.
Another factor that retards productivity is the small size of most New Zealand building companies. 90% have between 1 and 9 employees. They survive from one pay day to the next, and don’t have the capacity to trial better methods. It would be better for small firms to merge and pool their resources (ITPs too).
There are 8 different ITOs involved with the construction industry, and more than 45 trade associations. Many are in competition. Consensus is almost impossible.
The construction industry contributes 8% of GDP. A productivity increase of 10% would boost GDP by 2% (this would be a huge improvement, in case non-economists are wondering).
Bax encouraged us to participate in the fora that will be organised early next year to gather stakeholder feedback, on proposed changes to our qualifications, and NZQA’s administration of them. I believe that we should take an active role so that we can have our say, keep in touch with developments, and continue to strengthen our relationships with other ITPs and industry stakeholders.
