Attended the Construction and Infrastructure Centre of Vocational Education (ConCOVE) conference today. Missed most of the first keynote in the morning but was able to get to the venue in time to pick up the end of Kaila Coblin's scene setting session to 'build bridges- collaborating for vocational education excellence'.
The next session with 'unlocking potential: systems change for our vision' with ConCOVE's George Makapatama. Provided the ConCOVE perspective with how the organisation is approaching the important 'systems changes' -firstly to try to identify the problem, before launching into solutions. His presentation drew on his story - growing up in Niue and how his culture grounds his thinking. Connections are important in a collective society. Introduced the concept of 'servantship' which drives his life. Both mean we are all part of a larger whole and draw on this support to progress towards contributing to a better society. Shared the 6 conditions for systems change from the work of Kania, Kramer and Senge (2018) - from structural to transformational change.
The after morning tea session was with Suzette Dyer from the University of Waikato, who followed on with 'Developing a bystander Theory of Change' for the sector. Shared a ConCOVE project to develop new anti-harassment guidelines - reducing bad behaviour on worksites. Traditional responses are individualised, difficult, may worsen the situation and most often, the victim leaves the workplace. Recommended a collective /whole workplace response which is supportive and leads to fewer negative outcomes.
Then Eve Price updated on 'Navigating the challenges in Degree Level Apprenticeship'. Introduced the concept. TEC thinks of degree apprenticeships as a way of delivery. For industry, apprenticeship occurs on-job. The term does not exist for NZQA. At the moment WDCs look after qualifications to Level 6. Level 7 degrees are in the university and ITP space. Discussed the pros (equity, retraining, earn and learning, addressing skill shortages etc.). Unpacked using 'systems change' introduced by George and applied to how degree apprenticeships can be promoted and established. ConCOVE is contributing to a pilot next year.
An update on ConCOVE project fund process with Katherine Hall and Jackie Messame and an overview of the ConCOVE PMO, bookended a 'relationship accelerator - speed idea generation' activity.
After lunch there was a short ConCOVE challenge using slido.com - featuring 11 questions VET, construction industry, rugby, Mātauranga Māori and ConCOVE concepts.
Dr. Kylie Taffart then presented on 'Futures in NZ quarrying'. Introduced the industry - big rocks into small rocks', including sustainability initiatives. Main challenges around health and safety, aging workforce, inclusive workforce, and technology adoption to increase productivity. There are strong connections between quarrying and civil construction. Currently unit standards are too technical. Study is to evaluate what training programmes are available and inform future programmes and industry professional development. Described research method and objectives of the project. Findings from Delphi study indicate the challenges of the need for leadership, health and safety, and legislation and regulations. Recommended set up of advisory group, complete analysis of data, develop a future of quarrying futures scenario and publication of report.
Josh Williams and Jackie Messame shared a project on 'Transitioning to kaiako (teacher)'. Josh began with stating that high quality VET requires high quality teachers. The world of work and education are still far apart. How do these two worlds come together, especially through industry workers moving into teaching. What are the supports that help the shift people from work into education. Then how do currency and future professional development occur. How can the dual roles and dual professions work together, one informing / drawing from each other between the two identities. VET delivery is complex and in a continual transition/change. Common competencies are technical, education, stakeholder engagement and professional values and commitment. Call for participants to contribute to the project.
Jackie covered the comparison between on-job and off-job learning. Interviewed, trainees, trainers (supervisors, assessors etc.) to find out what a good were the qualities of a good workplace trainer. Some technical skills but much in the leadership, learning, supervision, and mentoring quadrants.
After afternoon tea, an activity session with Callum McKirdy on 'inspiration, reflection and action: A journey forward' to gather contributions on how ConCOVE can meet needs of the participants, what was of most interest, and what did we get out of the day.
The conference then closed with final remarks. Good to meet new people, touch base with familiar kindred spirits, and see how COVEs have developed and their direction.
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