Carpentry tutors top of the class
Diana Dobson
It's official - it's not just the students getting top marks at Tairawhiti Polytechnic.
The polytechnic's carpentry programmes and their tutors have just received an A+ moderation report from the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation and they are all pretty delighted.
Jan Thomas, Tairawhiti Polytechnic head of rural and trades, says in the past the programmes have always had good reports, but this one superseded even those.
"This year the moderators themselves have acknowledged the report they were giving us was exceptional," she says.
"They commended the tutorial staff on our carpentry programmes - about the standards they maintained and the level of training that they provide."
Tutors Matt Evans, Matthew Campbell, Joe Hogan and Phil Gaukrodger deliver four courses - the national certificate in carpentry level four, the national certificate in construction (leading hand) level four, the certificate in building technology level three, and in Ruatoria, the certificate in introductory trades (carpentry) level two.
"I am very pleased with our team. It is a reflection of the work they put into the programme and the ongoing support we receive from industry for our programmes."
The polytechnic staff have developed their own resources for their programmes, which so impressed moderators they are now being used as examples of best practice throughout the country.
There are 75 students studying carpentry at the polytechnic or completing their level four qualifications out in the work force.
The BCITO moderates all providers of programmes on an annual basis, to ensure the delivery and assessment of resources and staffing are all at a national standard, and that the courses are meeting specific quality standards as required by the industry.
Moderators also visit employees where Tairawhiti Polytechnic students are working to get feedback from them, as well as talking to the students themselves.
Mrs Thomas says such positive feedback underlines the reputation of the polytechnic's programmes.
"Our students generally have no problems finding work placements, so that speaks for itself really."