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Certificate of competence results: Improved B-grade quarry manager pass rates
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Recent results have shown an increase in competent oral exam candidates. We are pleased that since September, 21 out of 26 (81%) B-grade quarry manager applicants were found competent.
Of the 76 B-grade quarry manager applicants who sat exams last year, 67% were found competent, compared with 40% of 2016 applicants. Last year, 81% of oral exam candidates seeking Certificates of Competence (CoCs) across the industry were found competent.
We believe industry initiatives such as oral exam mentoring, training programmes, and better employer preparation should help candidates prepare for exams and lead to continued improvements in oral exam results.
Applicants are reminded that oral exams assess an applicant’s ability to respond to workplace situations by using good workplace practice. Check out our High Level Framework for Oral Examination Requirements for Extractives’ Certificates of Competence for more information.
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- A & B grade opencast coal mine manager, A & B grade tunnel manager, site senior executives, coal mine deputy, coal mine underviewer, mechanical superintendent, electrical superintendent, ventilation officer and mine surveyor.
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Review of Certificate of Competence requirements
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We have the responsibility for setting CoC requirements. The Board of Examiners has finalised proposed recommendations to our Board which is likely to make its decision in the first quarter of this year. A New Zealand Gazette notice setting out the new requirements will be published soon after.
We will then release a report which responds to submissions and analyses them.
We will hold workshops with The Board of Examiners around New Zealand to inform industry of the new CoC requirements. These workshops will be communicated in this newsletter.
It is important to note that the review was about CoC requirements and feedback received about this was considered by The Board of Examiners.
There was also feedback on issues outside the review’s scope but of industry importance. The majority focussed on:
- qualification pathway for extractives and is application to CoCs
- training and assessment
- CoCs’ roles and responsibilities.
The Board of Examiners is using this additional feedback to inform its submission to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment recommending changes to the Health and Safety at Work (Mining Operations and Quarry Operations) Regulations 2016.
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Applications for Certificates of Competence
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We want to encourage CoC applicants to apply via the new online system. Online applications are processed more quickly and easily than hard copy applications.
Currently, the majority of CoC applications received by the Secretariat are incomplete. It is important CoC applications are accompanied by verified copies of all required supporting documentation. If we do not receive this information, we will be unable to process the application.
Please use the checklist which is on the application form to make sure you have provided all required information.
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CPD logbook system
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CoC holders can enter historic CPD learning activities on the online CPD system until 19 February, after which previous years’ CPD logbooks will become read-only.
CoC holders will then only be able to enter learning activities to their current year’s logbook.
Those CoC holders not wishing to use the online system can still use the hard copy CPD logbook. All CoC holders are responsible for meeting CPD requirements and keeping accurate records of CPD learning. CoC holders no longer have to submit their CPD logbooks to the Secretariat unless they are randomly selected for verification.
If you need help using the system or have questions about CPD, please contact the BoE Secretariat: BoE_Secretariat@worksafe.govt.nz or 04 901 4980.
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Holders of lifetime quarry managers' Certificate of Competence
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Last year we published competency requirements for holders of lifetime quarry managers’ CoCs.
Holders need to comply with the same competency requirements applying to CoCs holders under the former regulations, as set out in the New Zealand Gazette notice. However, they do not need to demonstrate a specified level of work experience.
The Regulations requires a lifetime quarry manager CoC holder to comply with the prescribed:
- competency requirements and
- continuing education requirements.
The CoC will continue on that basis as long as the holder, on and after 1 January, has complied with the above. If you hold a lifetime quarry manager CoC, please contact the BoE Secretariat to ensure we have your up-to-date contact details on file.
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Providing support to Certificate of Competence applicants
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Employers and experienced CoC holders have an important role to play providing support and mentoring to CoC applicants to ensure they have good workplace operational experience and the skills and knowledge to sit oral exams. Panels assess whether the applicant can apply what they learn in their studies to the job.
CoC holders hold statutory responsibilities so The Board of Examiners must be satisfied an applicant has both knowledge and experience to perform their duties to maintain health and safety in their area of responsibility.
The best way employers and mentors can help is by supporting applicants by providing them with the best possible operational experience and advice to ensure they are well prepared for oral exams.
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