Changes within the rural fire training sector
An update for Rural Fire Authorities
16 March 2015
Rural fire training
Changes to funding and delivery
In 2009 the government, through the Tertiary Education Commission, introduced a policy that aimed to
consolidate and improve the performance of Industry Training Organisations. This has resulted in a
reduction in the number of Industry Training Organisations and some changes to the way rural fire
training will be funded and delivered in the future.
The purpose of this update is to share our understanding of the status of these changes and how we’re
responding to them. Rather than a lengthy explanation of all the ins and outs, we’ve set out key
questions and answers below along with contact details should you like specific information about
particular topics.
I can assure you that the NRFA is committed to the promotion and support of rural fire training. The
NRFA Minimum Training Standards, which comprise of unit standards, will remain the same and are
not affected by the forthcoming change of Industry Training Organisation or changes to training
providers.
If you have questions that aren’t covered by this update, please drop Regan Hopkins an email:
regan.hopkins@fire.org.nz.
Kevin O’Connor
National Rural Fire Officer
Key questions and answers
Q1.
A1.
Will EMQUAL continue to be the Industry Training Organisation for rural fire training?
No. At the EMQUAL Annual General Meeting on 12 March 2015, EMQUAL voted to
disestablish itself. This means that EMQUAL will cease to be the fire and rescue sector
standards settings body and Industry Training Organisation (which includes rural fire
standards and qualifications). This will take effect from 2 April 2015.
If you would like more information about this decision, please contact EMQUAL Chief
Executive, Bill Robertson by email: bill@emqual.org.nz or phone: 021 739 197.
Changes within the rural fire training sector
An update for Rural Fire Authorities
16 March 2015
National Rural Fire Authority
Q2.
A2.
2
What does this mean for rural fire trainees who have had, or who currently have,
training agreements with EMQUAL?
EMQUAL has confirmed that rural fire trainees who completed training agreements through
EMQUAL before 31 December 2014 are not affected. Their units and qualifications remain
formally recognised and are recorded by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority on the
individual’s record of learning.
EMQUAL has also advised us that there are approximately 300 trainees who have not yet
completed their training agreements through EMQUAL. These training agreements will be
taken up and managed by the new Industry Training Organisation, so that trainees can carry
on and complete their individual training agreements.
Q3.
A3.
Who will replace EMQUAL as the Industry Training Organisation for rural fire training?
The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) is responsible for overseeing the establishment
and disestablishment of Industry Training Organisations (ITOs).
The TEC is running the process to appoint a new ITO for the fire and rescue sector (which will
include rural fire training). We understand that advanced discussions have been had with
Skills Organisation, but no formal decision has yet been announced.
The new ITO will be confirmed when the process is complete and the decision has been
formally endorsed by the Associate Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment.
This is likely to be within the next two months.
Q4.
A4.
What’s happening to the funding for rural fire qualifications and training?
The funding mechanisms for rural fire qualifications will soon be changing.
Currently, learners must be enrolled in a qualification registered on the National Qualifications
Framework (NQF) in order to access the Industry Training Fund. The Industry Training
Organisation’s (ITO’s) performance is measured in terms of completion and learner-retention
rates against these full qualifications. This is not an ideal set-up for rural fire training, as many
volunteer firefighters are not required to complete full qualifications to perform their role.
The new funding mechanism is known as Adult Community Education (ACE) funding. This
funding category allows for enrolment into individual unit standards and training schemes,
without the need to complete qualifications registered on the NQF.
Skills Organisation has been appointed as the co-ordinator of the ACE fund from 1 January
2015.
Q5.
A5.
Will Lincoln-Telford continue to deliver rural fire training?
No, Lincoln-Telford has decided to close its Rural Fire and Rescue Programme.
For more information about the closure of the Lincoln-Telford Rural Fire and Rescue
Programme, please contact Martin Eadie at Lincoln-Telford: martin.eadie@telford.ac.nz.
Changes within the rural fire training sector
An update for Rural Fire Authorities
16 March 2015
National Rural Fire Authority
3
Q6.
A6.
Who will replace Lincoln-Telford to deliver rural fire training?
We have begun working with key stakeholders, along with the New Zealand Fire Service, to
explore opportunities for future training provision. We will work actively with the sector to
identify appropriate solutions.
Q7.
A7.
What if a firefighter is part-way through a module with Lincoln-Telford?
Firefighters who have training underway with Lincoln-Telford that’s incomplete should contact
either Lincoln-Telford directly to discuss next steps, or the new Industry Training Organisation
once a formal announcement has been made.
Q8.
A8.
Are any other training providers withdrawing from rural fire training?
Not that we’re aware of.
Q9.
A9.
What does this mean for Rural Fire Authorities?
The impact for Rural Fire Authorities is:
 Facilitation and coordination of training will be performed by a new Industry Training
Organisation (ITO)
 Funding will now be provided through the Adult Community Education fund, managed
by Skills Organisation
 Many Rural Fire Authorities will be dealing with a new training provider, as LincolnTelford is closing its Rural Fire and Rescue Programme
 Programme material, qualifications and unit standards will remain the same.
Q10.
A10.
What does all this mean for rural firefighters?
For most, these changes will have little impact:
 Programme material, qualifications and unit standards will remain the same (although
training providers may change in the future)
 Existing training credits and qualifications remain recognised and recorded by the New
Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) on an individual’s record of learning,
irrespective of who is their Industry Training Organisation or training provider
 Any future training completed will be added to the individual’s record of learning by the
NZQA, just as it is today
 Incomplete EMQUAL training agreements will be taken up and managed by the new
Industry Training Organisation
 Firefighters who have training underway with Telford that’s incomplete should contact
Telford directly to discuss next steps.
Q11.
A11.
How long will it take to get this all up and running?
At this point in time, we don’t know exactly. Once the new Industry Training Organisation is
announced, we will work with the sector regarding the next steps and timeframe for
implementation.
Q12.
A12.
What part is the NRFA playing in these changes?
We have already begun discussions with the Tertiary Education Commission, the New
Zealand Qualifications Authority and other organisations about options for future training
Changes within the rural fire training sector
An update for Rural Fire Authorities
16 March 2015
National Rural Fire Authority
4
provision. These conversations are in the early stages – they will be ongoing and informed by
contributions from across the rural fire sector.
As soon as the new Industry Training Organisation (ITO) is announced, we will share this
information with you. We will then begin working with the new ITO and the sector on the next
steps.
One of these steps is to work with the Principal Rural Fire Officer Executive Group to
establish a sector training advisory group. This will help ensure that the needs of the sector
are well understood and that future training provision meets those needs. The NRFA will take
a leadership role, facilitating discussions from a national perspective and working with all
parties to ensure the best outcome for the sector in terms of quality and consistency.
Rural firefighters during burnoff training at Belmont Road, Porirua in February 2014
hop
Changes within the rural fire training sector
An update for Rural Fire Authorities
16 March 2015