Staff Reporter
Engineering Education to Employment (Engineering e2e) of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) is currently working with WelTec, Otago Polytechnic and the Institute of Public Works Engineers Australasia to implement a Level 7 Engineering Degree Apprenticeship qualification.
The qualification will be called, ‘BEngTech.’
Based on the Degree Standard developed by New Zealand employers, the proposed qualification will be a work-based degree integrating academic learning with on-the-job practical training.
A TEC notification said that the model is operating successfully in the UK with Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), the largest provider of apprenticeship degrees in Britain.
“They have partnered with over 130 employers to deliver digital technology, management, leadership and law degree apprenticeships, including Masters Programmes.”
Massey University Professor Jane Goodyer supported the proposed viability of the apprenticeship model in New Zealand in 2015.
Tripartite Relationship
She proposed that the curriculum development process should be a three-way relationship between employers, policymakers and tertiary institutions.
Following an investigation of the effectiveness of Degree Apprenticeship models offered in the UK, she commenced work in New Zealand on a pilot basis.
The UK model has been adapted for use in New Zealand, taking into account the lessons learnt in that country.
During the first phase of the New Zealand pilot, Professor Goodyer worked with the New Zealand Division of the Institution of Public Works Engineering Australasia.
Guiding employers
The Institute represents people employed in engineering in councils around New Zealand.
Professor Goodyer guided this group of employers as they developed a standard for a degree apprenticeship focused on asset management.
The programme of full-time work and part-time study (learn and earn) would be open to new applicants or existing employees. It is likely to be offered as day or block courses with business focused projects and assessments.
The Second Phase
WelTec and Otago Polytechnic submitted a proposal to Engineering E2E (the TEC) for the pilot’s second phase – implementation of the degree.
The proposal was reviewed favourably by MMU, which noted that it aligned with the UK experience, demonstrated the need for employer-led programmes to ensure success.
During discussions, Professor Julia Clarke from MMU offered to visit New Zealand and present MMU’s approach to Degree Apprenticeships and the costs and benefits to the institution, employers and learners.
She outlined a number of benefits to consider for inclusion in a New Zealand engineering degree apprenticeship for learners, employers and ITPs.
The TEC is currently negotiating a contract with WelTec and Otago Polytechnic for Phase 2 of the implementation of the Degree Apprenticeship.
This phase will involve the expansion of the apprenticeship standard developed in Phase 1 into a ‘ready to implement’ curriculum, complete with programme design and end point assessments.
