Antarctica New Zealand Training Development Project

Back in February, Antarctica New Zealand (Ant NZ) put out a request for proposals “To conduct a systematic review of their training programmes with the intention of developing and implementing a holistic organisational wide training programme”. SARINZ replied and won the tender to conduct the project. The objectives of the training development project included a systematic review of current content, industry standards and programme requirements to meet the needs of Ant NZ.

SARINZ was able to assist Antarctica New Zealand’s by being uniquely placed to meet the needs of the training development project. SARINZ training development is based around having proven knowledge and techniques that do not over burden the user with equipment. SARINZ has worked extensively with a number of the alpine rescue teams in New Zealand, as well as other emergency services including the Fire Service and several International Antarctic Programmes. This placed SARINZ in a unique position to provide Ant NZ with what they needed.

Over a 7 month period SARINZ was able to analyse their training needs, designed and developed a training programme and finally outlined how they should implement their training programme. Antarctica New Zealand is now placed in a position where they can move forward with their training. They have a written training management plan and recommendations on the Antarctic training programme. This includes competency statements, list of needs, factors and solutions. They also have entry standards, learning outcomes, assessments, training objectives, an evaluation programme and a training curriculum; they also have a written project implementation plan which incorporates both the conduct and validation of training.

This project proved that by using the same tools we use to develop excellent training for the Search and Rescue sector, we can assist other organisations ensure that their training is meeting the strategic needs of their organisation. This project reinforced the fact that SARINZ has the ability to provide the holistic methodology for initiating, developing, delivering and evaluating training. It can analyse training needs then develop training programmes to ensure training is focused on providing personnel with the correct skills to perform individual and collective tasks.