Preparation Workshops For Extractive CoC Oral Exams
The New Zealand Mining Board of Examiners stated that 40% of the 2017 Extractives Certificate of Competence applicants failed the oral examination. This rate of failure has been reasonably consistent since 2015.
The Board clearly identified the key reasons were applicants are under prepared and lacked a broad overview of how to apply their knowledge in their roles.
The Board is not looking for applicants to recite all the information learned in the unit standards training, but is looking for examples of how applicants apply their knowledge of legislation, leadership, operating and safety systems and emergency management and show how these are applied practically in their role of CoC holder in their day-to-day operations.
Applicants may have known the information required but were unable to get this across to the panel in a convincing manner that gave the Panel the confidence they were competent.
For many applicants this was the first time they were interviewed where they needed to clearly structure their answers in a confident, considered and logical manner and show how they would apply their knowledge in their workplace through practical examples.
Mines Rescue recognises that some CoC applicants may need some additional help to prepare for their oral examinations. Mines Rescue has developed a 1-day workshop to prepare applicants for the oral examinations.
The interactive work is limited to 6 people or less to ensure each gets the individual coaching required to prepare thoroughly. If less than minimum numbers are interested in some areas applicants may choose to pay an increased fee to ensure Mines Rescue proceeds with the workshop. The price for the course will be $390 plus GST per person.
The session will begin with looking at the format and structure of the oral examination process. It will focus on the areas being reviewed and the types of questions the Panel will use. It will review the behaviours and identify the do and don’ts for this type of interview. The session will provide applicants with strategies, tools and tips on how to structure their answers so they clearly address the areas the Panel will be looking at.
The workshop will provide a series of a simulated oral examinations. Each applicant will be asked exam questions and required to clearly break down the questions and answer them in a clear considered manner with the other participants taking on the role of the panel. Feedback will be provided on each applicant’s performance and what they need to work on to improve. At the end of the session, they will have the skills necessary to present their knowledge and competence confidently to the Panel.
Due to the relatively short time available, this workshop focuses purely on preparing applicants to structure their responses to the Panel’s oral examination. It does not review the applicant’s knowledge of key competencies in any depth and applicants must review their learning and knowledge of key competencies to ensure success before the Panel.
Contact Mines Rescue to register your interest and find out when workshops will be held in your area on 03 762 7828 or email: colin.mcdonnell@minesrescue.org.nz.