NKBA and BCITO launch NZ Diploma in Design Level 5
As our sector matures and our clients look for assurance that their contractors and suppliers are appropriately trained and qualified, more and more kitchen and bathroom designers are looking to harness the power of education and up their credentials. In acknowledgement of this growing demand, NKBA has been working closely with BCITO to make sure that appropriate qualifications are available for industry. We want to ensure our members have the skills and learnings to meet client requirements and to provide a high level of quality assurance.
“Through the BCITO partnership we are able to offer the New Zealand Diploma in Design (Kitchen Design) Level 5. We are also launching a new version of the bathroom qualification very soon. These new qualifications will gradually see us phase out all previous qualifications. We are proud to introduce this new qualification and see it as a positive move for our industry and the kitchen and bathroom design profession,” said Suzie Rees, Executive Officer of NKBA.
The new level 5 qualification combines on the job and off the job training to provide learners with the skills needed to be a qualified kitchen and/or bathroom designer. Year one focuses on mechanics, while year two takes designers through the ins and outs of aesthetics. The off the job component includes correspondence assignments and two weeks of training in a classroom setting.
The qualification covers:
• legislation
• communication
• measurement and calculation
• construction knowledge
• contracts, tendering and quoting
• research and analysis
• project planning and administration
The offsite training courses are delivered by Mark Bruce and Milvia Hannah who are both experienced designers and successful business owners. They each deliver a one-week course over the two years that focuses on spatial design and aesthetics.
“BCITO provides significant on job support for learners with 14 nationwide dedicated Kitchen Design training advisors visiting learners at their workplace. Our objective is to provide assistance and a channel between on job training and off job courses, and assignment completion. We’re excited to be working with NKBA as the new Diploma in Design (level 5) has given rise to opportunities such as new reports and onsite assessment – capturing real events in real time where the employer, learner designer and training advisor identify strengths and swiftly addressing challenges. This new Diploma in Design is a fantastic qualification that develops designers and recognises excellence,” said Warwick Quinn, Chief Executive BCITO.
The new qualification commenced in January this year and there are already several full classes in Auckland and Wellington, with plans for a roll out in other areas during August and October.
“I would encourage all NKBA members that do not have a formal qualification or are looking for a refresher to consider undertaking the NZ Diploma. You do need to be working in the sector to be able to complete the two-year training which will prove invaluable for future career prospects whether as a sole practitioner or within a large design/manufacturing organisation. We are also excited about the fact that a level 6 qualification is currently in the development phase,” said Suzie.