New construction collaboration between Otago Polytechnic and SIT

Otago Polytechnic and the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) are collaborating to support construction training in the Carpentry area, in the lower South Island 

Otago Polytechnic and SIT are pleased to announce the signing of their latest Memorandum of Understanding (in the Trades space), which is a continuation of their long history of collaboration. 

The two organisations have agreed to provide a united front for supporting work-based learning across the lower South Island, following changes in the sector announced in April by Penny Simmonds, Minister for Vocational Education. 

Valuable insights applied 

SIT and Otago Polytechnic previously conducted a successful Southern Pilot in 2023 to trial collaborative delivery across the southern South Island region. This provided valuable insights into what the construction sector needs to support training apprentices, said Russell Finlay, SIT Programme Operations Manager – Academic – Trades and Technology Facility. 

“The offerings of night classes, day release, and block courses are highly valued by many apprentices and employers in improving learning opportunities, removing barriers to progress, and helping maintain industry standards,” he said. “This is especially so when it leads to progress of apprentice training milestones. A broader range of delivery models should be fully considered to compliment traditional work-based learning.” 

Finlay also said that Otago Polytechnic and SIT have continued to offer the range of services which the trial has highlighted as important to industry.  

“Applying a demand-driven approach to apprentice training means that we look for the best solution for each apprentice based on their individual needs and informed by input from their employer. We do not apply a ‘one size fits all’ approach to apprentice training as no two training situations are the same. That said he main thing we need to ensure will always be treated the same is that the qualification is achieved to a high standard,” he added. 

The recent government changes allow both providers to deliver work-based learning models that ensure work-based learning is industry-led and supports the communities they serve. 

The new collaboration in the Carpentry area aims to provide a consistent approach for learners, ensuring they receive the same levels of service and support, irrespective of where they live and work. 

The MOU includes a provision for supporting qualification development and delivery models, as well as joint promotion to industry and mutual support for visiting apprentices and employers. This is important as larger employers work across Southland and Otago and apprentices could potentially work anywhere within the lower south. 

Delivery of the programmes is being adapted to provide maximum flexibility to suit the needs of employers, while also providing the support individual learners need to successfully achieve their qualification. 

Historically, the options for employers and apprentices have been limited and sometimes quite prescriptive around how they engage in apprenticeship training support outside of the workplace. 

The revised Carpentry Trades programmes will offer block courses, day release, night classes and online support to help apprentices on their learning journey. If learning is progressing well in the workplace, ākonga won’t need to attend extra training classes. Each institution will work with employers and their apprentices to implement the best learning plans, which will be reviewed at each quarterly site visit. 

Flexibility in practice 

Mark Cartwright, Deputy Executive Director – Industry Training and Innovation at Otago Polytechnic, is confident it’s an approach that will be welcomed by both businesses and students. 

“This flexibility will help employers and apprentices to choose how they engage in off-job support to suit the business and learner needs, whilst providing reliable on-site, face-to-face visits to ensure learner progression is maintained and employers are actively supported,” he said. 

“I believe this is something that has been sadly missing for close to a decade.” For example, they are offering block courses in tasks that aren’t commonly carried out on site, limiting apprentices’ opportunities to gain experience in some areas. For example, a block course on ‘building stairs and ramps’ is being offered. 

“This is a very technical task that apprentices often struggle to understand or get the opportunity to complete in the workplace,” said Finlay. 

“The block course takes them through the theory and practical skill development making a huge difference to their understanding and confidence to complete these tasks in the workplace.” 

Hamish Small, Head of Faculty – Trades and Technology at the Southern Institute of Technology, is welcoming the chance to work together. 

“We have enjoyed some great collaboration with Otago Polytechnic in the past and know the value this revised programme will bring to industry and our wider community in the southern region.”