With a booming industry, and 250 new landscaping apprentices on board, Primary ITO Sector Manager Mark Orr provides an update on course opportunities and updates
Interest in landscaping apprenticeships in New Zealand continues to grow, with enrolment numbers for Landscape Construction (Level 3/4) higher than ever before. This year alone, Primary ITO has had more than 250 new learners start the programme.
“With Kiwis continuing to invest money in their properties that might have been spent on travel, plus the Apprenticeship Boost providing an incentive to employers, and Government subsidies for training fees, there’s no better time to start a landscaping apprenticeship,” says sector manager Mark Orr.
“While we are pleased to see demand so high, we are committed to ensuring our training continues to reflect the industry and provide the most relevant information possible.”
In line with this ethos, Primary ITO is conducting a review of the 28 Landscaping Level 3 and Level 4 Unit Standards, which is currently with the Industry Working Group. Primary ITO has also developed four new Unit Standards, all of which will all soon be distributed for wider industry consultation.
Refreshed option for starters
For those who are just starting out, and not quite ready to commit to Landscape Construction Level 3 and 4 courses, Primary ITO has refreshed its New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2).
Designed to take around seven months, it aims to provide the foundational knowledge and skills required to be safe at work and to confidently perform their role. There is also the option to add chainsaw and vehicle skills as electives.
Train the trainer
Employees and apprentices aren’t the only ones who need training. Primary ITO also offers a one-day interactive workshop to help senior staff and business owners gain the skills to train staff to be efficient, effective and safe.
This includes information on how to motivate employees, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to perform to a consistently high standard. Primary ITO has also partnered with businesses to offer apprenticeship positions to smart, motivated Kiwis looking for something more than just a job, with the aim of developing career-minded individuals for the long-term benefit of the industry.
Become your workplace assessor
Workplace assessors play a key role in the training cycle. They oversee the formal marking process and provide mentoring, either within their own workplace or independently, making them a vital part of maintaining the quality of Primary ITO qualifications and programmes.
To become a workplace assessor, Primary ITO offers the popular Assessors Qualification (unit standard 4098) course, which covers best practice related to preparing for assessment, conducting assessments, completing assessment administration and reviewing assessment practice. It also encompasses Primary ITO assessment processes and policies, and can be completed in person or online.
Suitable for experienced supervisors or managers who works in an organisation that has trainees, it is a valuable skill at a time when there are so many apprentices entering the industry. Once they’ve completed the course, assessors are registered with Primary ITO as a workplace assessor capable of assessing employees in their workplace.
To find out more about any of the programmes or courses above, call Primary ITO on 0800 20 80 20 or email info@primaryito.ac.nz
Primary ITO offers landscaping apprenticeships and training.
For more information on landscape and other training, visit primaryito.ac.nz or call 0800 20 80 20.