|
Education and Training
Funeral Service Qualification ... To advance or not?
Global trends in the professionalisation of the workforce have seen employers looking for employees who are able to not only perform competently but also to communicate, work in a team, problem solve, use computers, innovate and continue to learn and develop. These skills are common themes in degree education and this has led internationally to the introduction of degrees in vocational areas where they were not previously required. In New Zealand, examples of vocations adopting degrees for entry have increased in the last decade. This "credential creep" is increasing and is creating a demand for further degrees in vocational courses. The Funeral Service Training Trust has always believed that those who complete National Certificates and the National Diploma in Funeral Services may aspire to higher qualifications, at either Diploma or Degree level.
The Present
During 2003, a funeral profession survey was held to identify a need for a higher qualification, and to identify areas of interest. Of the 28 responses, 26 felt a unit standard should be created for Funeral Home Management, or higher qualification. One comment I appreciated was: "Even the best FD's/Embalmers may be poor managers. All Blacks don't always make good coaches". The information was collated and discussed by FSTT and WelTec as part of a planning day in November 2003. WelTec provided significant information about how a degree programme may be developed.
The present National Certificate in Funeral Directing is at level 5 with 155 credits, 86 credits being at level 5. National Certificate in Embalming is at level 5 with 169 credits, 92 being at level 5. The National Diploma in Funeral Services is level 5, Total 305 credits, 178 at level 5. (Some are cross-credited between National Certificates). One standard credit equates to 10-12 hours of learning, and levels are 1-8 based on degree of learning.
Advanced Diploma or Degree?
To advance the Diploma from level 5 to level 6, 120 (new) credits would be required. 48 credits from level 5 would be easily credited for those holding prerequisite National Certificates or National Diploma. The issue is to create 72 credits at level 6. A degree programme starts at level 7, and would require 360 credits. This would allow a maximum of 20 credits from level 4 courses/ unit standards [these would be awarded through appropriate cross crediting, recognition of prior learning (RPL), recognition of current competency, (RCC), processes], a minimum of 120 credits at level 6, and a minimum of 80 credits at level 7.
Though students may obtain the credits awarded towards the degree at levels 4, 5, and 6 through credit transfer, RPL or RCC, the minimum 80 credits at level 7 must be obtained from successful completion of a prescribed programme of study. This would focus on developing students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills and knowledge with the broad base of conceptual underpinnings from the levels 5 and 6 with some specific areas of focus.
The Pathway
There has been discussion in recent years since the development of our qualifications through Unit Standards-based learning that the ultimate goal is degree qualification. It is important to understand that before a degree can be developed, level 6 credits would have to be developed, creating a qualification at Diploma level 6 (a level higher than the current Diploma in Funeral services). Once developed, the Unit Standards would become available to accredited training providers to apply to deliver the programme, and a training provider would be required to develop and write a programme to be approved by the Industry Training Organisation.
The Future
FSTT wants more input from the profession to develop unit standards to level 6 and beyond. This involves a big investment of time (voluntary) and cost. Over the past nine years of my involvement with FSTT on FDANZ's behalf, I have continually been amazed at the enthusiasm and dedication of fellow trustees (some from outside the profession) and Unit Standard Advisory Group members. This next move will be a significant step and will require commitment from the industry. NZQA will consider a standalone Unit Standard if the industry can show that "specialist" management issues are unique to funeral homes, as opposed to generic management issues, which are already on the framework.
Management qualifications
Many other training providers offer management qualifications, many based around distance learning and nominal attendances. These can be linked to higher qualifications already offered on the National Qualifications Framework.
Short courses
Historically, short courses have been offered on a range of topics to funeral directors and embalmers. These have not required existing qualifications or a framework basis. The introduction of Practice Certificates for funeral directors and embalmers has resulted many more educational opportunities in recent years.
The future
As stated, FSTT is now at a point of deciding the next step. We need your input!
- Do we pursue advanced Unit Standard-based qualifications?
- Do we acknowledge that generic management units already exist, and those who want to achieve these be encouraged to do so from existing providers?
- Do we do nothing and therefore ignore stakeholders in the profession?
- Do we focus on providing short courses at appropriate levels for ongoing training?
Return to News Listing
|
|
