Have your say on the Workforce Development Council's proposed FASD training.
There is no currently no FASD-specific content in the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF), and FASD-CAN has been advocating to fill this gap in workforce training for some time now.
In mid-2022, FASD-CAN began discussions with the Toitū Te Waiora (Community, Health, Education and Social Services) Workforce Development Council about the development of an FASD-specific programme of study.
There are six Workforce Development Councils in Aotearoa and Toitū Te Waiora is responsible for industry workforce development training in areas such as care services, disability services, education and education support services, health and social services. They set training standards, develop qualifications and support curriculum development in vocational education.
In the early months of 2023, FASD-CAN worked closely with the WDC on their thinking about a FASD micro-credential and what the content of this would need to be. As a result of our consultations, Toitū Te Wairoa has developed the following draft skill standards for consultation and feedback by 30 June 2023.
Detailed information about each of these documents is on their website here and they are calling for feedback to progress them.
There is also an application form for the micro-credential.
It's envisaged that it would encompass 40 hours of guided learning and 60 hours of self-directed learning, including learning within the workplace.
A micro-credential is a formal award that recognises achievement of skills, knowledge or experience in a specific area of study. Although it's not a qualification, it is a recognised part of Aotearoa’s education and training system, and once successfully completed, results are recorded as an academic transcript. NZQA-approved micro-credentials can be delivered by tertiary education providers, schools and kura, and have specific learning standards and outcomes.
Toitū Te Wairoa Workforce Development Council envisage this FASD micro-credential being the first in several developed as part of a Certificate in Neurodiversity, where a student could select a specialist area for study and training. Their vision is that the programme of study will be of interest to and benefit WINZ, health, social and support workers, educators and support staff, police and corrections officers, and employers of apprentices, for example.
If you would like to give your feedback on this important step for Aotearoa, please email NZQA at [email protected] by Friday June 30, 2023.
