ITI Articles

A commitment to quality and an acknowledgement that in today’s world providers need to think innovatively about teaching theory has led G&H Training (G&H) to develop New Zealand’s only National Certificate Carpentry Theory computer programme.

“This is an exciting time for us and I am passionate about ensuring learners achieve the best value possible when investing in education,” says Geoff Goodchild, Managing Director of G&H . G&H have 18 years experience providing quality trade training, nine branches, National Certificate level Pre-trade, Youth Training, and Training Opportunities courses and a Modern Apprenticeship Service. Over the last 18 years G&H have built up a strong rapport with industry partners, other education providers and local communities and grown to become the largest trade specialist PTE in the country.

The e-learning programme was trialled in the Hawke’s Bay branches in 2003 and implemented throughout the country in 2004. Although students still have the choice between paper-based learning and e-learning, almost 100% now choose e-learning. The level of quality in systems, policies, and innovation, has resulted in NZQA awarding G&H Training its highest audit cycle of three years.

G&H Training’s programme uses interactive graphics, photographs, video demonstrations and plain language text to get the message across. Assessment results are instant, giving students more tutor time and immediate feedback.

Many young people find the paper and pen way of learning doesn’t suit them and like not having to write as much. As long as they have an acceptable level of literacy and can use a mouse, students using the e-learning programme can not only work through all the course content on-line but can also complete all their theory assessments as well. Mature students say they like the user-friendly interface. Tutors notice students seem to be able to gain more information using the computer than they would have from traditional paper based methods and that they like the video and colour photographs that accompany the text.

The e-learning programme and an individual training plan for every student enables learners to work at their own pace and have ‘ownership’ of their learning, something mature students have commented they like. Tutors also report that students using the programme are more engaged with their learning and concentrate for longer periods.

The e-learning programme also benefits tutors. With the tutor interface they have immediate access to how well students are doing, which units they are working on, which assessments they are struggling with, and a range of other feedback reports and information. Not having to mark assignments or manually produce reports enables tutors to spend more time either one on one, or with groups of learners. The self-paced nature of the programme also allows learners to continue working while the tutor is with other students.

Ongoing updates to the content and units available for the system ensure the programme stays relevant and up-to-date. Combined with their commitment to quality and innovation, and the benefits to learners and staff, G&H’s e-learning programme is helping to ensure they remain at the forefront of carpentry training in New Zealand.