National Qualifications Framework

The Qualifications for the Crane Industry are registered on the National Qualifications Framework.

The National Qualifications Framework has been introduced to give people much more choice and flexibility in their education and training. The aim is to make training much more relevant and accountable to industry's needs. What people learn will be what employers offering jobs need and it will make it easier for the workforce to gain the level of skills and knowledge needed to be successful.

How the Framework Operates

The framework is based on a system of unit standards and all learning is expressed in terms of these unit standards. (A unit standard is simply a definition of the skills and knowledge that an individual needs to do a particular job according to the specifications of that job). Each unit standard is allocated a number of credits. The number depends on the training time needed by trainees to acquire the skills and knowledge required by that unit standard. One credit is equal to approximately 10-12 hours training time.

The framework has 8 levels. Level 1 equates broadly to secondary school form 5 studies, and level 8 to the most advanced learning. There are, of course, unit standards at every level.

The framework creates a "seamless" education and qualifications system, one that integrates secondary school education, industry training, and tertiary education.

The key features of these qualifications include the following:

• qualifications are made up of packages of unit standards, tailored to meet the learning needs of individuals;
• there are just three types of nationally recognised qualifications - National Certificates, National Diploma's, and Degrees;
• the successful completion of a unit standard is recorded on the individual's Record of Learning in the national qualifications database;
• people gain a qualification when they have completed the required number of unit standards.

Advantages of the National Framework

The National Qualifications Framework has many advantages.

• you can study just one unit standard, or an entire package of unit standards;
• you can train at different places for the same qualification;
• you can cross-credit unit standards from different qualifications;
• you can start training for a career and a qualification whilst still at school;
• you can gain new skills, knowledge, and qualifications at any stage of your career;
• you get recognition for the skills and knowledge you already possess - so you don't have to train for what you already know;
• you have much more choice and flexibility as to where and how you train because learning is measured and recognised in the same way, wherever it takes place;
• in many instances, you now have access to formal training where previously there was nothing available;
• the framework provides the opportunity to constantly acquire new skills and knowledge.

Administration of National Framework

The NZ Qualifications Authority has established a database on which is recorded the personal details and results of people taking unit standards registered on the National Qualifications Framework.

A person "hooks-on" to the database by paying the appropriate fee and that person's personal Record of Learning details will be stored. An annual Record of Learning will be generated from this database.

A person registers with NZ Qualifications Authority by completing a "hook-on" form and paying the appropriate fee to Opportunity Training. The registration forms are available from Opportunity Training.

In addition to the "hook-on" fee, trainees are required to pay the NZ Qualifications Authority a unit standard fee. This fee contributes towards the costs associated with the development, review and national moderation of the unit standards.