Frequently Asked Questions
Below, frequently asked questions.
Please feel free to
contact us if you have any further queries.
What is an Industry Training Organisation?
An Industry Training Organisation (ITO) is an organisation that oversees training and qualifications for a particular industry.
What is a Unit Standard?
A unit standard describes what you need to know or be able to do to be competent in a particular skill area. Each unit standard has a credit value. When you are assessed as being competent in a unit standard, you gain these credits. Unit standards are packaged into national certificates and national diplomas, which are registered on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. To achieve a national qualification, you must complete successfully the required number of credits. These are nationally and internationally recognised qualifications, so you can take them with you wherever you go.
What is a National Qualification?
National qualifications are made up of unit standards. Qualifications are set at different levels depending on how difficult they are. There are three kinds of national qualifications:
- National Certificates - Levels 1 – 4
- National Diplomas - Levels 5 – 6
- Degrees and Postgraduate Programmes - Levels 7– 10
What is the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF)?
All unit standards and national qualifications developed by ESITO are registered on the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF). Other Industry Training Organisations also register their unit standards and qualifications on the NZQF. As you achieve unit standards, they are listed on your “Record of Learning”, held on a NZQA national database. Credits may be accumulated over a number of years and from a variety of training providers, until a qualification is completed.
What have unit standards got to do with qualifications?
A qualification is made up of a set of unit standards. The industry advisory group for each sector decides which standards make up the electricity supply qualifications. There are three industry advisory groups:
- Generation
- Distribution
- Utilisation
How do I keep track of the unit standards that I achieve?
All the unit standards for which you have gained credit are recorded on your personal “Record of Learning”. You can look at your Record of Learning on the NZQA website. As a Connexis trainee, you can also check your progress on the trainee login area. Contact Connexis if you have misplaced your pin number to access your information.
Do I have to do more training if I already have all the skills and knowledge that are set out in the unit standard?
Many experienced workers have the skills and knowledge that are specified in the standards, but no formal recognition of their skills. You can apply to be assessed against the unit standards. Please ask your employer to assist, or contact Connexis for advice.
Can I be credited with the registered unit standard if I'm assessed as competent for most of the required outcomes but miss out on one of the evidence requirements?
No, to gain credit for a unit standard you must meet all the requirements. But in most cases, you won’t need to repeat the whole assessment. Instead, you can ask to be reassessed for the outcome you missed when you are ready.
What is a New Zealand Apprenticeship?
New Zealand Apprenticeships are a work-based education initiative open to people of all ages. They are a great way to gain the skills, experience and qualifications you need to set you up for a career for life. Apprentices receive extra training and support to help them complete their national qualification. See our New Zealand Apprenticeships page for more informaiton.
What do I do if I want to work in the electricity supply industry in New Zealand but I have overseas qualifications?
Contact the Electrical Workers’ Registration Board, www.ewrb.govt.nz, to find out how to apply for registration or a practising licence based on qualifications and experience gained outside New Zealand.