The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) has developed a programme for BCITO workplace assessors based on achieving unit Standard 4098 Use standards to assess candidate performance.
The BCITO Workplace Assessor Training programme is suitable for all workplace assessors operating in the construction industry, whether it is in a specialist trade or carpentry. The programme was developed to meet industry needs and, since its introduction, has made a marked difference to the work practise of those who have achieved the unit standard.
The key to the programme is its practicality. It involves attendance at a two-day course custom designed with a construction focus. Following the course a BCITO training advisor visits participants on-site to observe them completing two assessments — putting into practice the theory learned on the course.
By completing the programme, participants will gain an improved understanding of the assessment process and gain confidence in their ability as an assessor.
Auckland builder and employer Colin Bird has been involved with industry training since completing his own apprenticeship, and is a strong believer in the benefit of continuing education.
“Attending the course really improved my confidence around the whole assessment process. I thought I knew pretty much all there was to know about assessment but the BCITO trainers really shed new light on the process,” Mr Bird says.
While finding the time to spend two days away from the business can be a challenge, the improvement in efficiency and reduction in time spent assessing apprentices makes it worthwhile.
As Mr Bird found, “the time spent attending the course and ultimately achieving the unit standard has certainly been worth it. A real plus is that my apprentices see it as acknowledgement of the work they do”.
The two-day courses are free to attend for BCITO-registered workplace assessors, and are available across the country. Courses generally start later in the morning (usually around 9.30am) to allow time for participants to organise any on-site work.
A course calendar can be viewed at www.bcito.org.nz or by contacting a local BCITO regional office on 0800 422 486.
