Competenz

APL Programme

Experience matters — now make it count!

Did you or one of your employees miss out on a trade qualification that’s recognised in New Zealand? Think the required skills are all there? And does gaining a trade-relevant qualification without having to start over again appeal? Then Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) is for you.

Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) is a process that says experience does count when it comes to gaining a trade qualification.

APL is especially for mature learners who missed out on gaining their trade qualification when they were younger, and it can also help people skilled in more than one trade or who trained outside of New Zealand to get accredited.

By demonstrating knowledge to us through assessment, an employee within the mechanical engineering industry can gain one of the following Level 4 qualifications:

• National Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
• National Certificate in Engineering – Fabrication
• National Certificate in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
• National Certificate in Locksmithing
• National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering in any of the following strands:
  • Fitting and Machining
  • Machining
  • Toolmaking
  • General Engineering
  • Maintenance Engineering

  What are the benefits of APL?

  Competenz works with the applicant to develop an individual programme and get his or her trades skills formally recognised.

  The applicant achieves a nationally-recognised qualification valued by industry and can provide formal evidence of competency to customers and other businesses the employee provides engineering services to.

  What’s the process?

  1. Application

     A Competenz account manager helps select the right qualification, and guides the employee through the application process. The employee then completes the application form and submits it along with the required supporting evidence.

     Click here to download the APL application form.

     Click here to download the APL Handbook to guide you through the application process.

  2. Review

     A Competenz moderator reviews the employee’s application and does the referee checks, and an onsite visit. They then advise the outcome of the application. A personalised training plan is set and agreed to with the employee.

  3. Assessment

     The employee completes any training courses required.  Assessment is undertaken to prove their knowledge. When the employee completes their personal training plan, they are awarded the agreed qualification (Level 4 National Certificate).

  For more details call 0800 526 1800 and ask for a copy of the APL Handbook, or to speak with your local Competenz Account Manager.