When you enroll staff in a Careerforce training programme, we recommend that you take time to do a programme introduction. It helps set the scene and tone for the rest of the training programme. Your Careerforce Workplace Advisor and/or Apprenticeship Advisor can support you in doing these introductions.
Eric Kneepkens, Careerforce Apprenticeship Advisor for Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough and West Coast Regions, shares what he would normally cover in a programme introduction for new apprentices that would also work for other Careerforce training programmes.
- What is industry training and how does it work?
Eric says, “if they haven’t heard of apprenticeship or industry training, it’s important they understand that it’s all workplace-based training.” He explains that observations, assessments, all the situations and examples that they’ll use throughout the programme are contextualised to what they do on a day-to-day basis.
“Industry training is not about an observer or assessor following you around on your day to day role. It’s about what is naturally occurring on a day to day basis as you carry out tasks as part of your role.”
- The programme basics:
Staff undergoing training needs to know the:
- Actual qualification they are going to achieve.
- Expected length of the programme.
- Skills or competencies that are being developed and recognised.
- Requirements of the programme.
Eric explains that it is important that these are discussed upfront, so employers have the opportunity to identify any additional supports an employee may need and for staff to have the right expectations.
“So that we are not setting someone up to fail, we need make sure that the programme is appropriate to the role they’re employed in; that they understand the literacy and numeracy requirements; and that they understand the modules and how they can apply their learning.”
- The parties involved:
“We make sure that trainees understand that their programme involves a 3-way partnership. It’s important that all 3 parties understand their obligations – so the employer, the employee (trainee/apprentice), and Careerforce (Workplace/Apprenticeship Advisors). It’s about everyone understanding their obligations in the training journey,” Eric explains.
There is a support system for them and by understanding that, they will get more confidence in getting through the training programme.
- There is no fail – only more information required:
Eric shares, “one of the common questions asked is, what if I don’t pass an assessment?” He says that during programme introductions, they talk about the principle that there is no failing. He explains, “it’s not the fact you haven’t passed but it may be that the assessor requires more information, or that the example you have provided may not be sufficient. It’s about making sure that you demonstrate sufficient knowledge and understanding of each set of the assessment requirements.”
Taking time for programme introductions at the outset ensures a much more positive learning experience for staff, helps with the smooth running of workplace training, and better outcomes for all parties.