The aim of the plan is to help existing trainees, where ever possible, to complete their current training to ensure they have transferable skills or are able to be redeployed. Almost a third of the staff at SAFE Air is to be made redundant as a result of an overdue contract.

"ATTTO frontline staff, management and Board members are working hard behind the scenes to see what can be done to retain all trainees within the aviation industry. We can also support recognition of current competence that might be necessary for identified skilled workers to also assist in retention and re-deployment," advises Elizabeth Valentine, CEO at ATTTO.

"It’s as important to retain experienced people as it is new trainees. In such a high-tech industry experienced staff, especially engineers can not only mentor new trainees, they have a wealth of knowledge across aircraft types. This adds significant potential value for off shore businesses considering aircraft maintenance contracts with New Zealand companies. We cannot let highly skilled, trained people leave the sector without doing everything possible to find solutions," adds ATTTO Chairman Rick Bettle.

"Having worked with SAFE Air for nine years I feel a personal responsibility to assist wherever we can. And for ATTTO this is supporting workers through gaining skills that can be used in the future when the industry picks up again," says Dave Evans, Senior Aviation Training Advisor at ATTTO.

Like many industries, the aviation industry is cyclical in nature with peaks and troughs of employment effected by known factors such as the economy and international trends in the supply and demand of skilled workers across all aspects of aviation. Because New Zealand’s aviation sector is strongly affected by such global aviation trends, the need to retain and develop a skilled workforce in the near future is essential to helping New Zealand aviation employers manage the increasing impacts of massive technological changes and significant growth in the Chinese and Indian aviation sectors.

"In addition aviation engineering in New Zealand has a rapidly aging workforce. So it is important to keep trainees on a career pathway now to enable employers to succession plan in behind retiring workers," says Valentine.

"It’s essential that the education and aviation sectors pull together to solve problems and plan for this eventuality" adds Rick Bettle.

ATTTO aims to support those who are close to completing their aviation engineering training (ranging from Aircraft Servicing to a range of diplomas), so that these skills remain in the New Zealand aviation workforce. There will be a month of consultation before the first redundancies are confirmed and this will provide some time for Dave Evans to work with current trainees affected and to put together individual training plans. "This is the bare minimum we can do to support our colleagues," says Dave.

Trainees have a twelve week window to possibly complete their current training following a redundancy under the Tertiary Education Commission guidelines. ATTTO is actively exploring every opportunity, during this time, to support the sector in managing through this difficult time.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

For more information please contact:

Elizabeth Valentine,

Chief Executive, ATTTO

021 2227758,

Click here for Destination, Teacher Resource Kits order form.

 Did you know?

If you have staff working towards national qualifications on the job and would like the capability to asses them in-house, you can up-skill one of your staff members to take care of assessment for you.

How does it work?

Becoming a Registered Workplace Assessor means that one of your experienced staff members can become qualified to assess other employees who are training towards a national qualification on the job.

This training is not only an excellent personal development opportunity, it also ensures that high standards are maintained in your business because your in-house assessor will be actively aware of trainees gains in competence, which can then be utilised to increase productivity in the workplace. Assessment can occur easily in the workplace to fit your business workflow and timeframes, as well as the trainee's readiness for assessment.

ATTTO offers 2 day professional development workshops, where potential Workplace Assessors or approved Roving Assessors become familiar with:

• what it means to be an ATTTO Assessor
• how to assess learners in a workplace
• the evidence that can be collected to demonstrate skills and competencies
• how to use ATTTO assessment material
• what moderation is all about.

ATTTO can then arrange for participants to apply to be assessed against Unit Standard 4098: Use standards to assess candidate performance after the completion of the workshops. This is the Unit Standard required to become a qualified assessor.

These workshops are specifically designed for assessment in a workplace environment. Assessors who have previously gained Unit Standard 4098 are also encouraged to attend the course as a refresher.
Where and when are they available?

The small group workshops run from 9am – 4:30pm, and will be held at:

23 / 24 March- Christchurch

27 / 28 April- Auckland

25 / 26 May- Queenstown

22 / 23 June- Rotorua

27 / 28 July- Wellington

24 / 25 August- Auckland

14 / 15 September- Christchurch

19 / 20 October- Auckland

4 / 5 November- Wellington

How much do they cost?

The cost of the 2 day course is $450 (Inc GST). This includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.

How do I register?

For more information or to find out if your staff member has the relevant experience and qualifications to register, contact an ATTTO Assessor Mentor on the details below.

(You can also download a registration form here).Coming Soon! Please contact us directly to register.

Jeremy Busby

North Island

04 8159831

Christine Ferguson 

(South Island)

04 815 9830

Please click here for more Terms and Conditions.

 Please note:

 2010 Registrations should be nominated no later than 2 weeks before the intended workshop.

 National Certificate in Travel (Level 3) with strands in Retail Travel, and Wholesale Travel – click  here for the provider resource coverage

 

25505 – Process short haul air travel requirements using a computer reservation system and 25506 – Process short haul ground travel requirements using a computer reservation system

The above two unit standards require the use of a computer reservation system used in the travel industry, such as a global distribution system (GDS). The special notes of these unit standards state that competency must be demonstrated using a computer reservation system and that a theoretical knowledge of this computerised system is not sufficient to gain competency.

Typically providers have used Amadeus, Galileo, or Sabre when training their students. For those providers offering the Retail Travel strand, to fulfil the requirements of unit standards 25507 and 25499 you will need to ensure the computer reservation system you train on is capable of interfacing with a travel management system.

25507 – Use a travel management system to manage client files and process travel arrangements for clients

The above unit standard requires the use of a travel management system used in the travel industry. The special notes of this unit standard state competency must be demonstrated using a travel management system and that a theoretical knowledge of this travel management system is not sufficient to gain competency.

This is a brand new unit standard and providers will need to ensure the travel management system they train on is capable of interfacing with the computer reservation system they train for unit standards 25505 and 25506.

25499 – Provide quotations, complete reservations, and process travel arrangements for customers in a retail travel environment

The above unit standard requires the use of a computer reservation system and a travel management system used in the travel industry. Training providers will need to ensure these two systems are capable of interfacing with each other.

18215 – Demonstrate knowledge of and process domestic air travel (version 3)

At this stage ATTTO are not developing a resource or common assessment task (CAT) for this unit standard as it appeared it would not be able to be completed in a provider environment, however we are involved in discussions with suppliers of global distribution systems to alert them to the requirements that need to be met. The problematic performance criteria for providers were 3.3 through to 3.5, being provide e-tickets, re-issue e-tickets, and refund e-tickets, however please check with your global distribution system (GDS) supplier as they may be adapting their system to meet these requirements.

Resources and Common Assessment Tasks (CATs)

As unit standards 25505 and 25506 require the use of a computer reservation system and unit standards 25507 and 25499 require the use of a computer reservation system and a travel management system, it is not possible for ATTTO to develop a single resource and CAT for these unit standards as they are generic and cover multiple systems. ATTTO did not develop learning or assessment material for unit standard 3734 Process travel requirements using a computer reservation system, as this was always part of the package provided by the supplier of the computer reservation system.

As a training provider you need to ensure that the supplier of these systems is going to:
· Meet the requirements of the unit standards.
· Provide you with sufficient resources to assist your students with the learning process.
· Provide you with assessment material that has been pre-moderated by ATTTO (otherwise you will need to develop your own assessment material which will also need to be pre-moderated by ATTTO).

Please contact suppliers directly for details about their training packages.

· Global Distribution System = Amadeus
Travel Management System = Travelog
Note – It is important to ensure that the computer reservation system (GDS) and the travel management system are capable of interfacing in a training or ‘provider’ environment.
Website: http://www.amadeus.com/au
Phone: (09) 978 4410
Email:

· Global Distribution System = Galileo
Travel Management System = CrossCheckTravel (CCT)
Note – It is important to ensure that the computer reservation system (GDS) and the travel management system are capable of interfacing in a training or ‘provider’ environment.
Website: http://www.travelport.com
Phone: (09) 358 7900
Email:

· Global Distribution System = Sabre
Travel Management System = Sabre Agency Manager (SAM)
Note – It is important to ensure that the computer reservation system (GDS) and the travel management system are capable of interfacing in a training or ‘provider’ environment.
Website: http://www.sabrepacific.co.nz
Phone: (09) 356 7600
Email:

· Travel Management System = Tramada
Note – It is important to ensure that the computer reservation system used in conjunction with Tramada is capable of interfacing in a training or ‘provider’ environment.
Website: http://www.tramada.com
Phone: 0061 2 8227 7333
Email:

· Travel Management System = Serko
Note – It is important to ensure that the computer reservation system (GDS) used in conjunction with Serko is capable of interfacing in a training or ‘provider’ environment.
Website: http://www.serkoonline.com
Phone: (09) 309 4754
Email:

 The programme was launched by Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism John Key, on the 22 October at Te Papa Tongarewa at a breakfast function attended by over 100 industry representatives.

Prime Minister John Key Launching KiaOraMai at Te Papa on 22 October 2009

Registrations of interest and resulting enrolments have been encouraging and the KiaOraMai service centre is starting to fill the first workshops for 2010.

Rotorua has identified the value of the KiaOraMai programme and the natural fit it has with the Go Rotorua campaign to coincide with the introduction of international flights to the city. They are the first KiaOraMai region in New Zealand.

The initiative was launched on the 9th December at an event hosted by the Mayor of Rotorua and attended by City Council representatives, Chamber of Commerce and over 100 industry representatives.

Leaders  from the service Industry training Alliance, Tourism Industry Association and Ministry of Tourism at the KiaOraMai launch, Te Papa, 22 October 2009.

For more information click here for the KiaOraMai website. 

The programme has been developed with funding from the Ministry of Tourism, in partnership with The Tourism Industry Association (TIA) and SITA, the Services Industries Training Alliance (which includes ATTTO, HSI, HITO, Retail Institute, Skills Active, and Tranzqual).

 Scholarships 

We’ll be announcing student Scholarship winners in early 2010. Watch for the up and coming ‘stars’ in aviation, tourism and travel.

‘Just the Job’ back for a 5th series on TV2 and Freeview

ATTTO is supporting the successful television series ‘Just the Job’. Due to air in June 2010, ATTTO will be working with workplaces to showcase careers in Travel, Museums and Cultural Tourism.

Just the Job is aimed at school leavers and follows young people working in their chosen career for the day.

This is the fourth time ATTTO have supported our industries by promoting them through ‘Just the Job’.

New Resources

 ATTTO will continue to develop and publish exciting resources to keep students attracted to the opportunities in travel, museums and cultural tourism. Here are some of the resources under development for launch in early 2010

 Register your interest in these resources now for the end of January orders and delivery for Travel Level 3 please contact Mel on 04 815 9829

2009 Ambassador in Workplace Training awards.

Congratulations to the following winners.

Debbie Cathro, - Training Executive, House of Travel, Wellington

Bonnie Smith - Training and Development Team Leader, Flight Centre

Maryann Geddes - Skyline Enterprises, Rotorua and Queenstown

Phillip Lattimer - HR Manager Christchurch Casinos Limited

Glenys Fraser- Manager, Napier War Memorial

Thérèse Angelo- Director, Air Force Museum of New Zealand, Christchurch

The Ambassador awards recognise the integral commitment and support by these people in making workplace training and the achievement of national qualifications a success. The recipients were nominated by the ATTTO team of Business Development Advisors.

Congratulations to Debbie, Bonnie, Maryann, Phillip, Glenys and Thérèse.

These ambassadors join the Aviation ambassadors recognised earlier this year.

Over the next few months we’ll feature profiles on each of the winners.

Order today – fill out the order form  and email or fax to The Hub: . or go to the resources section of this website, failing that call us on (04) 499 6570

All orders received by 4pm on Monday 21 December 2009, go into the draw and if you win, you’ll have your hamper for Christmas Day.

Here’s the full list of all resources developed in 2009:
                                                             
Aviation Gateway                                                      
Tourism Gateway                                             
National Certificate in Tourism (Intro Skills)
The Awesome Race Game  
National Certificate in Tourism
Customer Experience Award (Limited Credit Programme) 

Mock Policy and Procedures Handbook Workplace (to compliment assessment tasks)   
A bank of maps (20 produced YTD) to complement manuals, assessments and sell as stand alone products 
National Certificate in Museum Practice
National Certificate in First Line Management – Level 3 and 4 (Phase 1) 

Modern Apprenticeship support package – Core Skills Workplace   
Revised ADS learning package    
Orientation package for Trainees – Generic 

4 Teacher/Tutor resource kits (Maps and Board games) 
FLM Phase 2Destination manuals

Please have a look on the website for all available resources

 Reporting credits after standard has expired no longer possible

While it has always been the intention that credits would not be registered after a standard has expired, a database problem has allowed this practice.　

NZQA has now fixed the problem and from 1 January 2010 results will not be accepted where the assessment date is after the expiry date of the standard. Please note there will be no exceptions, this is an NZQA rule and ATTTO cannot override or overrule this directive.

Click here to view the 15 unit standards that expire at the end of this year.

If you have any questions, please contact The Hub at

 Christmas Message from Elizabeth Valentine, Chief Executive

I’m pleased to reflect on a year of exciting and innovative developments from ATTTO.

Our business is all about investing in people. We’re proud to have launched two significant projects this year to continue attracting, training and retaining the best people in our industries.

The Prime Minister launched KiaOraMai in late October, the essential skills programme designed to create consistent, positive customer experiences every day, every where. We’ve had great feedback from industry and looking forward to enrolments ‘taking off’ in the New Year.

Rotorua seized the chance to be the first ‘KiaOraMai’ city and launched ‘KiaOraMai in Rotorua’ last week – a great commitment and investment in training for the region.

The unique and innovative careers’ portal www.nzskillsconnect.co.nz launched last month. Again, we’re thrilled with the excellent feedback.

Our vibrant ATTTO team has had a great year and enjoyed working with you, our customer. For ATTTO our focus for 2010 will be to consolidate and partner with industry to trade out of the recession.

19 new packages have been developed in 2009 which have been specifically designed to add value and make training and assessment easier for our industries.

Have a fabulous, safe and relaxing Christmas and New Year. We’re looking forward to working with you and the people in your business in what looks like a more prosperous year ahead.

 Regards

Elizabeth Valentine

CEO

They say that innovation and new ideas come out of hard economic times.

Big paper plane

Flaring fun

Bungee thrills

NZSkillsConnect, www.nzskillsconnect.co.nz, provides career seekers with the tools and industry information to manage their careers by outlining the main job roles, pathways and relevant training.
The site has been designed around an innovative and dynamic search tool - the ‘Visual Mapper’. It illustrates specific job roles and their progression, while displaying a full range of careers across ten sectors within aviation, hospitality and tourism, including casinos and museums. 
The Aviation, Tourism and Travel Training Organisation (ATTTO) and Hospitality Standards Institute (HSI) have collaborated to develop and build the website. ATTTO and HSI Chief Executives Elizabeth Valentine and Steve Hanrahan say the website is a key part of their joint drive to attract, develop and retain skilled people in the workforce and increase productivity.
“People working in these industries are the face of New Zealand, serving millions of visitors and customers every year. NZSkillsConnect is another way to help our best ‘people’ people to create and develop great careers in aviation, hospitality and tourism,” says Ms Valentine.
“NZSkillsConnect is the only industry-specific careers site designed for career seekers, employers and training providers,” says Mr Hanrahan. “The Visual Mapper is definitely the star and a great way to show the exciting, rewarding careers for people looking to advance their career – be they school leavers or already working.”
Employers can advertise jobs and search for potential employees who have listed their CVs. Plus they can profile their businesses as workplaces that offer on-the-job training aligned to ATTTO and HSI qualifications and unit standards.
Nearly one in ten New Zealanders work across these industries, making it a significant employer and contributor to the economy. 
The launch of the website is timely as New Zealand’s service industries prepare for the Rugby World Cup 2011. More skilled people in aviation, hospitality and tourism will be needed to deliver an outstanding New Zealand experience.
NZSkillsConnect is a joint project from the Aviation, Tourism and Travel Training Organisation (ATTTO) and the Hospitality Standards Institute (HSI) with funding from the Tertiary Education Commission. 
 
For more information and to explore the site visit www.nzskillsconnect.co.nz

ENDS

For further information contact:
Shelley-Maree Cassidy, Hospitality Standards Institute Tel 04 385 9563
Joy Saunders, Aviation, Tourism and Travel Training Organisation Tel 027 282 5109