We’re excited to share SCNZ’s recent announcement to offer 15 training scholarships in their commitment to support the steel construction industry and expansion of the Steel Fabricator Certification (SFC) scheme.
This news comes following a unanimous resolution by SCNZ members late last year for all Steel Constructor members to become certified under this scheme over the next four years – signalling a real industry commitment to reduce risk and ensure quality management systems are in place to consistently produce compliant products to a required standard.
The SFC scheme requires certified fabricators to employ appropriately qualified staff – and we’re proud to be able to support this through the offering of our AS/NZS 2214 Welding Supervisor course in the area of welding-fabrication.
Delivering this course since 2011, it has been recognised as one of the most accepted qualification for those supervising welding activities or inspecting in-house welded components – with more than 250 people now having completed the course.
The supervisor qualification also offers a step–up opportunity to obtaining the National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 5) qualification as it is recognised as a key unit standard.
Welding Centre General Manager Dr Michail Karpenko said “the SFC scheme represents a key point of difference for local fabricators in the face of competition from imported pre-fabricated structural steel which often can be of uncertain provenance and quality.”
“Collaborating with SCNZ to develop and drive this scheme has been very rewarding, and it’s great to see this scholarship offered – I believe it’s a great way to drive industry engagement as we work to ensure procurers and specifiers have greater certainty of product quality from New Zealand, and fabricators have proven procedures and personnel capable of working to international best practice,” he said.
SCNZ’s training scholarships are available to companies who employ 15 or less staff and currently don’t have an AS/NZS 2214 certified welding supervisor. Provided they’re willing to apply to become an SFC certified fabricator following completion of training, SCNZ will cover the cost of the course for one person per company valued at NZD$1,800 – awarding the scholarship on a first come, first served basis.
SCNZ Manager Darren O’Riley said “we have received a lot of very positive feedback on the SFC scheme and are proud that we have implemented such a positive scheme to bolster the quality assurance of locally fabricated steel.”
“This introduction of a training scholarship demonstrates our commitment to supporting our Steel Constructor members, expanding the SFC scheme and raising industry standards.”
Do you qualify for the scholarship?
If so, we encourage you to get in touch with SCNZ Manager Darren O’Riley – applications for the training scholarships close on 30 June 2017.
For more information on the SFC scheme please click here, or on HERA’s Welding Supervisor Inspection course here. Alternatively you can contact our General Manager Welding Centre Michail Karpenko.
