NS Boat Builder PLAR Process

How the PLAR process works in the

NS Boat Builder trade (NZ model
context)

Canadian Association for Prior learning

Assessment Conference - Ottawa, ON
November 8, 2010
 The NS Boat Builder Trade
The NS Boatbuilders Association decided to
seek out the most effective, easily implemented
by industry, and globally recognized marine
industry training model that we could access.
The New Zealand Marine Industry Training
Organization had one of the best training
program models to be found. We have had a
licensing agreement to use NZMITO Boat
Builder training materials since April of 2005, the
year Boat Builder was officially designated as
an apprentice-able trade in Nova Scotia.
 NS Boat Builder PLAR Process
If you are an experienced boat builder with at least
10,500 hours of full time employment and you wish to
seek NS Boat Builder certification; you and your
employer should contact either the Nova Scotia
Boatbuilders Association (NSBA) Industry Training
Coordinator (ITC) or the NS Labour & Workforce
Development - Apprenticeship Training & Skill
Development (ATSD) PLAR Coordinator.
Once the NSBA ITC is contacted by either the
interested party or the ATSD PLAR Coordinator, the
ITC will visit the Trade Qualifier (that person seeking
NS Boat Builder certified status), the organization
Owner/Operator, and any acknowledged Mentor(s) to
orient everyone to the NS Boat Builder PLAR process.
 NS Boat Builder PLAR Process
A comprehensive resume (with as much information
about specific boatbuilding skills as possible) must be
submitted

Any copies of certificates of pertinent training that has

been completed should be submitted

Photos of examples of work (evidence of competency)

can be submitted

Reference letters from one or more employers

confirming work periods should be submitted

A PLAR Fee $666.45 (HST included) is required

 NS Boat Builder PLAR Process
If all prerequisite parameters for trade qualification are
met, a PLAR assessment / interview appointment will be
scheduled.

The PLAR assessment / interview is a 2 - 4 hour

examination of all aspects of those parts of the NS Boat
Builder certification pathways that may apply to each
Trade Qualifier candidate.

There will be questions asked in the context of

performance criteria of prescribed skill elements to help
the assessor determine the nature and scope of the
Trade Qualifiers knowledge and competence.
 NS Boat Builder PLAR Process

There are Core compulsory skill elements in which all

boat builders must clearly demonstrate competence.
Then there are 3 subsequent Boat Builder Pathways
(Wood, FRP/Composite, and Metal) that have their own
specific compulsory Core skill elements. The balance of
required skill credits are found in a range of Elective
skill elements.

Credits are gained for demonstrating verifiable

competence in prescribed skill elements
Compulsory Units:

Unit No. Description Credit

497NS - 01 Protect health & safety in the workplace 1
4249NS - 01 Demonstrate care & timeliness as an employee 3
18158NS - 01 Selection use, & care of hand tools used in boatbuilding 3
18159NS - 01 Selection, use, & care of portable power tools used in boatbuilding 3
18160NS - 01 Operate a range of stationary power tools used in boatbuilding 4
9913NS - 01 Demonstrate a knowledge of the Nova Scotia Boatbuilding Industry 5
9917NS - 01 Demonstrate knowledge of boat building methods 4
2399NS - 01 Dismantle, inspect, assemble, and test components - supervised 10
Identify & explain causes of material deterioration in the marine environment &
9915/9916NS - 01 6
recommend preventative measures
18161NS - 01 Perform measurements & calculations used in boat building 5
18166NS - 01 Participate in a team project in the boatbuilding industry 4
9922NS - 01 Take templates & patterns from existing boats 4
9923NS - 01 Install internal & external boat hardware fittings 4
9939/12942NS - 01 Build boat frameworks 25
18162NS - 01 Calculate quantities & costs for boatbuilding projects 4
18164NS - 01 Demonstrate knowledge of insulation & install insulation in boats 2
18165NS - 01 Demonstrate knowledge of computer technology used in boatbuilding 6
9933NS - 01 Install exterior boat fittings 10
Demonstrate knowledge of boatbuilding construction drawings & produce related
18163NS - 01 2
freehand sketches
18170NS - 01 Contribute to a team project in the boating industry 3
9934NS - 01 Construct interior support structures for boats 15
Total 123
 NS Boat Builder PLAR Process
Example:
Assessment Result Sheet Unit Standard: 2399NS - 01
Trade Qualifier:.. Credit Value: 10 Page: 1 of
1

DISMANTLE, INSPECT, ASSEMBLE AND TEST COMPONENTS UNDER SUPERVISION

This unit standard is useful for learners, or those employed in the mechanical and marine engineering
industry and those in maintenance operations of process industries. People credited with this unit
standard are able to, under supervision, dismantle components, inspect for faults, carry out
repairs, and reassemble and test components for correct functioning. The types of components
may include, but are not limited to: valves (gate, ball, and diaphragm types), single stage pumps,
single reduction gearboxes, single stage fans, and couplings.

Elements and Performance Criteria

Element #1 - Dismantle and clean components.

Performance Criteria

1.1 Components and supporting data are established.

1.2 Method, tools and procedure for disassembly are established and verified with supervisor.
1.3 Components are dismantled into parts in accordance with worksite
worksite procedure.
1.4 Parts are cleaned in accordance with worksite procedure.
 NS Boat Builder PLAR Process
Other PLAR Process Tools:
- Evidence of Competency Sheets
- Unit workbooks c/w self assessments
- On site competency demonstrations
- Third party verifications (immediate
supervisors and co-workers)
- Any skill gaps identified simply present a
training opportunity
 NS Boat Builder PLAR Process
Once all components of the appropriate
certification pathway have been verified by a
qualified marine industry assessor, the
application c/w all documentation is brought
before a Boat Builders Training & Certification
Committee. Representatives from ATSD and the
NS Community College sit on this committee.
The Boat Builders vote to accept or reject the
Trade Qualifiers application. Once accepted, the
Trade Qualifier application goes to ATSD for
certification.
 Boat Builder Certification Program Benefits

World class (NZ) certification tools and methods

Clearly defined career pathways
Clearly defined skill elements & performance criteria
Limited admin, cost, or production disruption to
industry

Boatbuilding Industry collaboration with NS Dept. of

Labour and Workforce Development - ATSD & NSCC
 Boat Builder Certification Program Benefits

Advances workforce skills

Enhanced job security/marketability for tradespersons
Enhances competitiveness of marine sector companies
Raises professional profile of the marine industry
Helps boat builders stay compliant with regulations
Help Address aging workforce problem (Brain Drain!)
 Boat Builder Certification
The Future of Maritime Boats

Contact: T. A. Chip Dickison

NSBA Training & Certification Coordinator
1496 Lower Water Street, Suite #330
Halifax, NS B3J 3R5

Phone: 902-423-2378 or 902-401-2442

Email: nsbatc@eastlink.ca
Web Site: www.nsboats.com
 Boat Builder Certification
The Future of Maritime Boats
or: Toba Offman
NSBA Training Assistant
1496 Lower Water Street, Suite #330
Halifax, NS B3J 3R5

Phone: 902-423-2378
Email: nsbatraining@eastlink.ca
Web Site: www.nsboats.com
Questions ?