
Levels of Roads – Category A, B and COnce the Waka Kotahi introduces the new TC and STMS training, warrants will be based on categories of road environment.This is because each road environment deals with a different type of risk and Waka Kotahi needs to make sure that people are able to manage these risks.Because of these distinctly different road environments and risk profiles, the STMS training, assessments and warrants are based on the following categories of road environment:
The images below provide the definitions of each of these specific categories. Training Aspirations’ looks forward to facilitating training to achieve the warrants you need. We already have dates scheduled for this training later in the year.
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Step by step guide to renewing your STMS qualificationSo what happens to existing warrants?As a holder of a NZTA Traffic Management warrant, such as Traffic Controller (TC) or Site Traffic Management Supervisor (STMS), you will be anxious to know what happens to your existing warrant. Or, if you are responsible for co-ordinating this training for your team members, you will definitely need to know what to expect and how to plan their training correctly. The following is an excerpt from our June 2020 e-newsletter.
Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has provided a very helpful roadmap to clarify the process for STMS warranted people to refer to. The STMS roadmap illustrates the key decision points to know about and to guide you with planning L1 STMS Refresher training correctly. View the road map below. Or download a pdf file here. step-by-step-guide-renewing-your-stms-warrant-mobile-version portrait[1307829] |
CoPTTM Training Model 2020What can you expect in 2020 with NZTA CoPTTM Training?NZTA’s presentation to the industryDuring May 2019 NZTA gave a series of presentations around New Zealand about the new CoPTTM Training Competency Model. At the presentation we learnt that we will commence delivering revised Level 1 training, TC and STMS Training from early 2020. The new CoPTTM Training provides learning blocks designed to cater for the variety of roles in the TTM Industry. The learning blocks form an expansive career pathway for New Zealand’s Traffic Management Industry. This new NZTA training model is to provide our customers with a more robust and thorough approach to CoPTTM training. The end results will be:
You can look forward to gaining nationally recognised qualifications. And our objective is to make the road ahead to the NZTA training series, as smooth and as clear as possible. Our team is here to help you confidently select the training you need.
NZTA’s CoPTTM TraIning informationThe table below has been developed by NZTA to present the complete framework of learning blocks and qualifications. CoPTTM Training Roadshow handout V1.2[889656] To seek further information, or send your questions specifically suitable to NZTA, email: copttmquals@nzta.govt.nz. You can also register to receive CoPTTM newsletters emailed by NZTA to the industry. Their “Notify” newsletter will definitely help you with keeping up to date with important CoPTTM Training developments. Use this link to register for “Notify”. https://confirmsubscription.com/h/t/B91C1F3BB7B297C2
Feel free to contact us at Training Aspirations to discuss your training requirements or to register for training or ask us questions. We would love to help you. office@trainingaspirations.com. What we love about the new NZTA training and competency model:
What’s new in the model?Below is an extract of what you can expect with the CoPTTM training and qualifications in the near future. |
Technology that assists traffic sign recognitionA new technology is likely to have a significant benefit on road safety. Vehicle manufacturers are looking to introduce vehicles with technology which attempts to read and interpret roadside traffic signals. It’s part of the move by manufacturers towards enabling speed assistance and automated driving. With the advent of this new technology, Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) system, Austroads ran trials in Australia to examine the implications of TSR for roading operators. In August 2018, Austroads produced a report that investigates possible approaches to be taken, by Australian and New Zealand jurisdictions and industry to consistently support and optimise the outcomes from the introduction of TSR systems. The Austroad Report highlights potential changes needed to Australian and New Zealand traffic signs. The Austroad Report includes a diagram illustrating how TSR technology functions and is able to affect vehicle speed. ![]() TSR Process. Source: Arup, Austroads What are the implications?
![]() 3M machine-readable signs Image: Business Insider / Austroads
![]() Variable Speed Limit Signs. Source: Austroads Austroads discovered that Variable Speed Limit Signs appeared to flicker when observed through a camera in some instances and then in others did not. The flickering effect makes it difficult for the TSR systems to correctly recognise the displayed speed limit. In response to this challenge, specifications in NZ state that the displayed image must not appear to flicker to the normal human eye. Also, the NZ Standard and EU standard for VSLS both recommend that the frequency of emitted light from a VSLS should be no less that 90Hz. Here is an image of the problem encountered in the instance when TSR viewed a flickering VSLS. There are blackened sections of the sign face. ![]() Example of the effect of VSLS LED refresh rates – blackened sections of sign face. Source: Austroads Recommendations Click here to view our recommendations (PDF) Click here to view the Austroads full report (free registration required). October 23, 2018 |
Pauline Mountfort CEO of Training Aspirations talks about how it all began![]()
Never for one minute, did I imagine myself to be a business owner and entrepreneur. It was Charlie Mountfort, my late husband, that I thank, who encouraged me to take the big step to start my own company. That was in May of 1993. I nervously announced the formation of Training Aspirations and so commenced the roles of CEO and consultant as the next stage in my career. Again, I never imagined that the journey as business owner would continue for 25 years! It’s been a quarter century of my life. I can’t help feeling this milestone is worthy of recognition! Life is like a shadow and a mist; it passes quickly by, and is no more. So … life is precious! The life and soul of my training organisation stemmed from my passion for learning effectively. Challenges and opportunities came my way, and so we were able to evolve. It has taken courage and openness blended with a lot of commitment, to achieve great outcomes for our customers. Our work has also been underpinned by our core values. I’ve believed in the potential of positive collaboration and mutually beneficial relationships as the driving force to generating success … our customers then reap the benefits. And for the parties involved, the results are usually rewarding and satisfying. Thanks to everyone who has supported me over the years and through the different projects. It’s been an extraordinary experience. August 9, 2018 |
Tony StellaTony Stella has been a Principal Facilitator with Training Aspirations since 1996. Q-What’s really gratifying about training people? Q-Is there any experience that happened in a training session that you felt was extraordinary? Q-What insights would you offer to a person entering or advancing in this industry? For participants who are on the NZTA Train The Trainer training to be trainers themselves, I hope to instill the value in them that they will be there to inspire and encourage their future participants. The NZTA training should not be purely for a “ticket” for their own jobs. It’s all about “learning not earning.” Q-Where do you think this industry is heading? I am urging companies to offer access to the NZTA Code of Practice (CoPTTM), and site documentation on devices that will be held onsite. Tablets and phones will be utilised much more to connect to information. Q-Is there a new technological advancement that you can tell us about? Another new innovation will be Virtual Reality used for training purposes. With 3D simulators, and immersive goggles, participants will be better able to experience the challenges of complex traffic management sites in the training. It’s the way of the future. Q-Are you excited about the future direction TTM training is taking? Q-Are there any messages you would like to convey to Training Aspirations in honour of their 25th anniversary celebration? |
Tracy ShawQ-Why is training important to your organisation? Not only is it important, but it is a necessity for us to function. NZTA requires a TC certification for work on all highway traffic management projects. Most of our road work is done on highways, as they are the main connections that people travel on between our local towns. TRAINING ASPIRATIONS is the source for us to keep our employees qualified, and also ensure that they renew their certificates every 3 years.
Q-In what ways does training contribute to your employee’s commitment to their jobs? Working on the highways can be daunting and potentially dangerous– good training makes workers feel more comfortable and confident in stressful situations. By attending a full day of training, they are well trained. The fact that TRAINING ASPIRATIONS also gives one-on-one training sets them above other training agencies –TRAINING ASPIRATIONS gives a full day of training – with classroom, and onsite roadway practice as well. With that extra attention, TRAINING ASPIRATIONS goes further to encourage participants who may be less educated, or need special care, to succeed in this trade. They go over and above.
Q-What advantages does the training give your employees for the future? With their good well-rounded courses, TRAINING ASPIRATIONS’ participants are capably trained – they have a recognized certification that they can take with them as they move on. Other training agencies offer the minimum coursework. TRAINING ASPIRATIONS gives workers a full range of qualifications that they can build on for their own future, and with our company as well.
Q-Are you aware of any TTM training needs that are not being met by NZTA’s current framework of TTM training? After having taken the Auditor Training with TRAINING ASPIRATIONS, I would hope that NZTA and the Councils would make it a standard practice for their auditors as well. There is a large inconsistency in how auditors approach our job sites. Some are extremely severe, and some are quite lax. TRAINING ASPIRATIONS gives a comprehensive instruction to Auditors on how to make reasonable and realistic, uniform and consistent audits, and also expertise on filling out the Audit forms.
Q-Are there any messages you would like to convey to Training Aspirations in honour of their 25th anniversary celebration? Congratulations to the whole team at TRAINING ASPIRATIONS. It has been a pleasure partnering with you these 4 1/2 years. I look forward to engaging TRAINING ASPIRATIONS’ high standards and working together for many more years to come. August 5, 2018 |
Wendi HendersonQ-Why is training important to your organisation? There are many types of roads that come under our jurisdiction. The most important thing for us, is that our workers are safe and compliant with the Codes that apply to the type of road they are working on. With proper training, we benefit from our employees’ skills as we are concerned about Best Practice. Training definitely plays an important role in achieving and maintaining Best Practice. Their enhanced knowledge of Compliance will make them safer, and training will help grow and develop our staff at the same time. Q-In what ways does training contribute to your employee’s commitment to their jobs? Training and supplementary qualifications have a 2-fold benefit. For instance, a qualified Arborist will have additional duties around vehicle driving and traffic management. After training in traffic management, they will have another certification that will broaden their overall expertise. They will feel safer and more capable when they understand the extended requirements of their jobs better. We will also gain by having a more qualified staff. It really spans across our whole business. Q-What advantages does the training give your employees for the future? A-TC and STMS are qualifications that are quite sought after. Anyone who works on the roads needs a TC Certificate. If our employee has this additional training, they will have opportunities for growth in our organisation, and in many other industries as well. It opens doors and opportunities going forward wherever they go in the future. Q-Are there any messages you would like to convey to Training Aspirations in honour of their 25th anniversary celebration? I’ve been working with Training Aspirations for over 15 years, and join in celebrating where they are at today. They got to this 25year anniversary with extraordinary dedication, follow-through, efficiency, and hard work for their clients. Congratulations for reaching this milestone! August 3, 2018 |
Moving in a bold direction with Training AspirationsMichael Pratap, Participant “For the past 2 ½ years, the encouragement and special care that Training Aspirations’ takes, has led me to follow my dream to become a Site Traffic Management Supervisor (STMS) – then go the full distance to be a road inspector and auditor. Ever since I saw the cones of the roadworks, I have had the goal of being the most constructive person I could be. With the excellent instruction from Kieran, and the positive inspiration from Pauline, I feel I am on my way. Kieran makes training enjoyable by spending a lot of time explaining, putting concepts together and making it understandable, while also being funny too! It is easy to learn when I feel inspired by Kieran’s way of teaching step-by-step, so I am able to achieve and succeed in my studies. He’s the best! And Stephanie is such an amazing support person, always by your side, helping you each and every step of the way,always there for you. She is awesome! Pauline has gone out of her way to stay in touch when I was unable to attend sessions, sending me learning materials – and her enthusiasm keeps me motivated to go forward. I can’t thank her enough for being so kind and supportive. From the top down – Pauline, Kieran, Stephanie – Training Aspirations is the best!… there is nothing more I can say.” Michael Pratap August 2, 2018 |