There are several course options available to employees looking to obtain NZQA qualifications relevant to their employment as Security Technicians.
New Zealand Certificate in Electrotechnology (Level 3)
Course Outline
This course is for learners wanting to progress within the electronic security industry as either an installer or serviceperson and is an intermediate step towards the Level 4 Certificate in Electronic Security.
On completion leaners will be able to install and maintain data networks and security systems or service and repair security, access control and surveillance equipment and systems at a non-complex level.
Learners who enrol in the Installation Strand will be able to:
- Undertake the installation, maintenance, restoration, scoping and connectivity of efficient, reliable, and secure security, access control and surveillance systems and hardware.
- Operate as technicians at intermediate level under indirect supervision.
Learners who enrol in the Service Strand will be able to:
- Diagnose, repair and service security systems and equipment at a non-complex level and supervise electrical workers.
- They will also be able to undertake the EWRB EASQ examination.
Course Structure
Trainees must be working in the industry and should allow 18 months part-time for completion.
The course is based on blended learning and comprises 11 modules of online theory learning and practical learning.
Course Cost and Funding
The course cost is $49.90 per week (GST Inclusive).
Learners may be eligible for Fees Free – check eligibility on https://www.feesfree.govt.nz/
The Level 3 does not qualify for Apprenticeship Boost as it only has 95 credits. Apprenticeships require a minimum of 120 credits.
For more information https://www.etec.ac.nz/electronics-courses/new-zealand-certificate-in-electrotechnology-level-3/
New Zealand Certificate in Electronic Security (Level 4)
Course Outline
This apprenticeship is appropriate for the following learners:
- Seeking a career in Electronic Security and have the knowledge, motivation and capacity to commit to 3 years of study (assuming do not hold the Level 3 qualification)
- Have completed the New Zealand Certificate in Electrotechnology Level 3 and looking to further develop their skills and knowledge.
- Experienced Security Technicians who wish to reflect their skills and knowledge into a formal qualification.
Topics covered within the New Zealand Certificate in Electronic Security (Level 4) include:
- Professional and technical knowledge for emerging and converging technologies
- Advanced health and safety
- Installation of cable support systems
- Theory of electronic security system design
- Theory and development of data networking to support electronic security systems
- Advanced application of stakeholder engagement principles
- Diagnosis and repair of faulty electronic security systems
- Develop solutions for electronic security intruder alarm systems
Course Structure
Trainees should allow 3 years for completion, or 2 years if they already hold the New Zealand Certificate in Electrotechnology (Level 3).
The course provides blended learning with 15 modules covering both online theory learning and practical learning.
The qualification has a total of 190 credits, exceeding the minimum 120 credits required to be considered as an apprenticeship.
Course Cost and Funding
The course cost is $49.90 per week GST inclusive.
Learners may be eligible for Fees Free – check eligibility on https://www.feesfree.govt.nz/
The course qualifies as an Apprenticeship and employers may be eligible for Apprenticeship Boost (see eligibility criteria below).
Apprenticeship Boost
Employers of an apprentice in their first year of apprenticeship training will be eligible for $500 support per month, for a maximum period of 24 months.
To be eligible for the Apprenticeship Boost, an apprentice must:
- Be enrolled and engaged in a Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) approved and funded New Zealand Apprenticeship or Managed Apprenticeship,
- Be actively training through a Transitional Industry Training Organisation (TITO) or a provider,
- Have completed no more than 24 months in a TEC approved apprenticeship that is the same or similar.
Check eligibility on https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/employers/subsidies-training-and-other-help/apprenticeship-boost/index.html
For more information https://etec.ac.nz/electronics-courses/new-zealand-certificate-in-electronic-security-level-4/
Important guidance for employers
Many employers will be tempted to enrol learners straight into the Level 4 apprenticeship programme based on the availability of the Apprenticeship Boost funding.
Unfortunately, this does not take into account the tasks performed by the learner and their capability to take on reasonably complex learning. Where the role involves familiar and repetitive tasks, and under a degree of supervision, the Level 3 course may be more appropriate.
Employers will need to carefully assess if their staff can achieve a Level 4 qualification and that they can commit for the duration of 3 years. An important consideration for this is the level of support that the employer will be able to provide to the learner on an on-going basis.
In all instances E-tec conduct a pre-enrolment interview with the employer and the learner. This ensures that the best course options are determined based on all factors above.
We also remind employers that for those employees who are new to work, or inexperienced in the electronic security industry, they can undertake the Entry Level Security Technician Foundation Training programme developed by the NZSA as a stepping stone towards enrolling in the NZCiES Level 3 qualification. For more information see the NZSA Training Hub.
For more information contact Lafo Siaosi Opa [email protected] or 021 873 183.
From the NZSA team. |