Skills Active Aotearoa is the industry training organisation for performing arts. They work with industry to create work-based qualifications and help organisations to get their people trained up. 

They are currently developing the unit standards for New Zealand Certificates in Performing Arts Instruction, Level 5 and Level 6. These qualifications will allow teachers and instructors in the performing arts space to grow their skills while they work, and have their experience and knowledge formally recognised. They are not dance-specific, but focus on how you teach, managing your studio, and health and safety. These qualifications are also designed for drama and music teachers.

The vocational training system is undergoing a major reform at the moment which will see changes to the way work-based training is managed. However, the work of developing these qualifications will not be affected and will continue on! 

Skills Active will be going out to the performing arts sector in the next month to consult on the Level 5 and Level 6 standards. They would love to hear your feedback about what you want from these qualifications, and whether the standards are fit for purpose. Watch this space.

To keep in touch with the latest industry training news for your sector, you can subscribe to their newsletters here: www.skillsactive.org.nz/subscribe.