Contributed by Judith Stanley
Training Standards Committee
The UFBA continues to be represented at Training Standards Committee meetings by Judith Stanley from Paekakariki VFB and Bob MacLeod from Raglan VFB. Following is a summary of recent initiatives the committee is working on:
- OSM review will reflect frequency and consistency of skill/task needs. Changes will be embedded and reviewed again in 12 months.
- Online learning resources are being developed.
- TAPS programme has been reviewed and redesigned to reflect assessment needs of NZQA recognised qualifications.
- Rapid extrication technique (TCE or time critical extrication) has been approved as a tool kit technique. Train the trainer workshops will be held before rollout to relevant brigades.
- Recognition of current competency (RCC) of Rope Rescue levels 3 & 4 is underway.
- Monitoring firefighter progress through TAPS is underway to identify ways of supporting completion. Mentoring is being considered.
Emergency Management programme for young people
Planning for the second pilot has yet to be secured. Securing sustainable funding remains problematic but possible.The programme aims to contribute toward:
- Volunteer emergency response workforce sustainability and capability building by presenting a range of volunteer emergency services as a viable and rewarding secondary career.
- A pre-trades training pathway which will prepare students for a range of career options.
- Community resilience through risk reduction and safety awareness contributing to a reduction in preventable accidents amongst young people.
- Resource sharing amongst agencies with shared goals.
In recognising these objectives, discussions have begun with the Ministry of Education, ACC, Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, and the Ministry of Youth Development. Working with the NZFS is part of an ongoing engagement strategy with respect to volunteer sustainability and fire risk management.
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