New Diplomas Set Standard for Risk Management Training

Media Release
22 June 2011

New Diplomas Set Standard for Risk Management Training

New Zealand has set an international standard for aviation risk and safety management training, with the launch of three new National Diplomas in Aviation.

The National Diploma Series was launched in Wellington last night (21 June) by the Associate Minister of Transport, The Hon Nathan Guy.

“These Diplomas are a world-first. They set the bar internationally and position New Zealand as a global innovator and indeed leader in aviation safety and risk management,” said Minister Guy.

“They are about building better, stronger business and complement the work the Civil Aviation Authority is doing on Safety Management Systems that will come into play in the next two years.”

The three Diplomas have been developed by the Aviation, Tourism and Travel Training Organisation (ATTTO) and Aerosafe Risk Management, a global provider of risk and safety management training. Each Diploma supports the Aviation Industry Association’s (AIA’s) professional development program and is fully endorsed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The Diplomas cover regulatory oversight and governance, risk management, and safety management systems. They will support the New Zealand aviation industry’s efforts to embed world-class safety and risk management practices within the public and private sectors.

Kimberley Turner, Chief Executive Officer of Aerosafe, said the three National Diplomas are the only Diploma level, vocationally-based, industry accredited qualifications of this type on offer anywhere in the world.

“The Regulatory Oversight and Governance Diploma, in particular, is unique as it is specifically designed for senior executives, board members and regulatory staff. The combined effect of the complete Diploma series is that it provides both aviation businesses and the Regulator with access to common skills, knowledge, methodologies and approaches.”

Each of the three Diplomas is quality assured and registered by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

ATTTO Chief Executive Elizabeth Valentine said the Diplomas focus on driving cultural change in risk and safety management from the top down.

“Lifting risk management standards across an industry is about so much more than sending staff on a course. It is about up-skilling everyone, from the board and executive who lead and develop a safety oriented culture to those who implement it. The three qualifications have something for people at all levels.”

CAA Director Steve Douglas said the Diploma Series was developed in direct response to a recognised need within the aviation industry to train the next generation of industry leaders.

“I am enthusiastic about this exciting initiative, which will educate and prepare New Zealand’s aviation Regulator, industry and stakeholders for moving activities and practices beyond compliance,” he said.

“Through these Diplomas we will collectively increase our assurance over, and the safety performance of, one of New Zealand’s most valued industries.”

Irene King, Chief Executive of the AIA, said her organisation supported the Diploma series, which effectively builds on professional development opportunities already offered by the AIA in New Zealand.

“The National Diploma Series is about generating ownership, and building smarter, more competitive businesses through adopting a risk based approach to management,” she said.

ends

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