Muka Tangata, the Workforce Development Council for the food and fibre sector, wants feedback on new, streamlined qualifications for forestry industry workers.

The council has been working with industry on a review and development of the full suite of forestry qualifications since June.

“The existing delivery and assessment of forestry qualifications are not meeting industry or learner needs and the industry also struggles to attract people in the sector,” said Muka Tangata chief excutive Jeremy Baker.

“Ensuring the qualifications are more compatible with ākonga (learner) development will provide clear pathways in the industry.

“Having a fit-for-purpose, flexible and future-proof suite of qualifications for the forestry industry will ensure ākonga are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attributes to succeed,” he said.

“The review will streamline qualifications  and standards creating greater learning opportunities and pathways for ākonga to progress.”

The review covers the entire range of forestry qualifications (levels 2 – 6), including the development of micro-credentials in leadership (level 5) and other areas.

As part of this review, Muka Tangata now seeks feedback on proposed new qualifications for Level 2 – the New Zealand Certificate in Forest Industry Foundation Skills.

The proposed Level 2 qualifications have been developed in collaboration with industry representatives.

Muka Tangata has also recently submitted a new “micro-credential” for log scaling so the industry can access and attain relevant and manageable awards.

This micro-credential will recognise the skills for workers in log scaling and will sit at Level 4 of the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).

Muka Tangata continues to work with industry, iwi Māori and providers across the regions to develop and design the micro-credential, ensuring that a broad view of the needs of the industry  is met.

Since October 2022 Muka Tangata has also been working with industry to design and develop a new qualification at Level 5 to recognise business, leadership and communication skills at a higher level.

“This will provide a stepping stone for employees wishing to move from technically focused roles into supervision and leadership,” Mr Baker said.

Consultation on the proposed new Level 2 qualifications closes on Friday November 10.