CONTRACTING » Scaffolding, Access and Rigging NZ
Business North / November 2012
39
Education DVD released
All smiles: from left, Wain Chambers ( Tai Poutini Polytechnic), Michael Russell, and Shane Brazier (Brazier Scaffolding Invercargill).
Young Scaffolder of the Year Michael Russell from Brazier Scaffolding in Invercargill has won the Scaffolding Access and Rigging NZ (SARNZ) Young Scaffolder of the Year award for 2012. Russell was presented with the award at this year’s SARNZ annual conference. Russell first entered the industry on a WINZ ‘Straight to Work’ programme. After completing the programme he was placed in work experience with Brazier Scaffolding. Over the course of the programme Russell achieved a number of Unit Standards. Brazier Scaffolding employed Russell early in 2008 and he has been with the company ever since.
Russell’s scaffold on the new Dunedin Stadium came first in the NZ Layher Scaffold of the Year. SARNZ president Chris Douglas says the awards are vital to encourage people in the industry to excel: “It’s about recognising excellence and achievement in the industry.” Douglas says that the 2012 SARNZ conference, held in Queenstown, attracted a record number of attendees with more than 80 people attending the various events. “The conference provides valuable opportunities for attendees to network and meet fellow scaffolders from all over the country.”
Scaffolding, Access and Rigging NZ (SARNZ) has just released an education DVD, which it hopes will attract people to the trade helping to meet the increasing demand for qualified scaffolders and riggers in New Zealand. SARNZ president Chris Douglas says the DVD was commissioned to give an overview of the scaffolding, rigging and rope access industries so potential apprentices could ascertain what the industry is all about. “It is aimed at increasing awareness of the industry and will be used as a recruitment tool,” Douglas says. “We have already sent the DVD to all schools and WINZ offices in New Zealand.” Douglas says scaffolding, rigging and rope access are industries that many don’t consider, largely because they are unaware of the career opportunities offered.
SARNZ is the issuing body for Certificates of Competence for all scaffolders in New Zealand. Qualifying as a scaffolder typically takes three years and there are three qualifications that scaffolder completes in order to attain their trade qualification. The scaffolder is then required to renew the qualification regularly. SARNZ is closely affiliated with Tai Poutini Polytech, which is the main training body for scaffolders in New Zealand. Douglas says that plenty of opportunities exist for qualified scaffolders both in New Zealand and abroad. “Our qualifications are internationally recognised as being to a very high standard.” Douglas says the response from the initial DVD mail out has been positive: “The next step will be for us to work out how to provide a real pathway into the industry for people.”
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