13 May 2020
A message from Fiona Kingsford, Competenz CEO
Kia ora
As New Zealand moves to COVID-19 Alert Level 2 this week, we want to update date you on Competenz’ ongoing support to our sectors and our learners. Read on!
Visits from training advisors
Under Alert Level 2, we are pleased to advise our employees will once again be able to visit employers and learners onsite, if health and safety protocols allow external visitors at their workplace. Virtual visits will continue to be offered and are preferred, however, we can now also see learners face-to-face.
We will contact learners and employers prior to an appointment. If an onsite meeting is preferred, please advise us of any visitor protocols at your workplace before our arrival, including whether safe physical distancing is achievable: These may include health declarations or additional personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
There may also be circumstances where an onsite meeting cannot be conducted because our employee needs to continue to work remotely. They will make companies aware of this when a visit is being arranged.
While onsite, our people will adhere to contact tracing and physical distancing requirements, as outlined under COVID-19 Alert Level 2.
Block Courses
Block courses can be conducted at Alert Level 2 and we are already talking with polytechnics and venues around New Zealand to re-establish our block course schedule for the remainder for 2020. We envision these beginning to operate again from the week starting Monday 29 June 2020.
As safe distancing of one metre is required, this may impact class sizes and how the classroom/workshop is managed: we are working through the implications of the Government’s guidelines with our polytech partners.
We are also confirming health and safety protocols with polytechnics to ensure that regular daily cleaning schedules have been planned, contact tracing protocols are in place and appropriate safety protocols are applied in the workshop and for food break areas. It is also likely that there may be more pre-block course protocols that need to be implemented while we are in Alert Level 2, such as daily signing of health declarations.
We will have more extensive information available for those that are eligible and booked onto block courses and will update learners and employers soon.
Learning support
Under COVID-19 Alert Level 2, study groups and night classes will also resume. We will work with venues, providers and tutors to ensure safe distancing requirements are achieved and will communicate directly with those impacted on the new dates as soon as these are confirmed.
We have also had great feedback from the pilot virtual study group for mechanical engineering learners that we ran during the lockdown period and will communicate more on this initiative soon.
Assessment
Under COVID-19 Alert Level 2, assessment can be carried out onsite or in the workplace if physical distancing requirements are met, and in line with policies being applied to that type of workplace.
Lastly, if learners have assessments ready to be submitted now, we encourage them to do so via email in the first instance, or via courier or post.
Supporting our industries
All Competenz staff continue to work at Alert Level 2 and are available via phone, email and virtual meetings, as well as face-to-face on request.
We are committed to supporting our learners, employers and sectors through the challenges of a COVID-19 world and will keep updating you as alert levels change. We know this is a difficult time for many: If Competenz can assist you to upskill your people now, or to ensure they have relevant New Zealand qualifications for their futures, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Stay safe and well.
Ngā mihi
Fiona Kingsford
Competenz CEO
