Following WorkSafe New Zealand's publication of its new Scaffolding Certificate of Competence (CoC) webpage, SARNZ reaffirm its current support for WorkSafe’s approach to recognising multiple pathways for demonstrating competency when applying for the CoC.
This approach is not new to our industry. For more than 15 years, SARNZ has supported alternative pathways to obtaining a CoC, including the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), recognition of overseas qualifications and experience, and recognition of earlier New Zealand training pathways.
Throughout this period, SARNZ has worked alongside industry and training providers to develop the New Zealand scaffolding apprenticeship, establishing it as the New Zealand industry standard for developing scaffolding competency.
The apprenticeship, developed by industry and its partners, remains our benchmark, and we will continue to work alongside training providers and other stakeholders to support its continuous improvement.
SARNZ welcomes WorkSafe's commitment to maintaining industry competency standards and looks forward to assisting in the development of fair, consistent, and robust assessment processes, drawing on our extensive experience with RPL and industry training.
Our position is clear: multiple pathways to demonstrating competency, but one consistent standard of competency.
SARNZ remains committed to supporting apprenticeships and working constructively with WorkSafe to maintain a safe, skilled, and professional scaffolding industry.
Ngā mihi,
The SARNZ Board
