The Consortium of ITOs does not currently have the experience and expertise required to implement the strategies and techniques described within the CM standards and qualifications.
The Consortium has formed a network of specialists and experts that can implement these strategies and are willing to work collaboratively with the Consortium and the businesses where they implement CM techniques using the CM standards and qualifications. We developed the Associate concept network to give this cooperative concept recognition.
The Consortium Board selects Associates through an interview and presentation process managed by the Consortium Board. This process ensures that the Associate adds value to any business they are contracting to for CM implementation. This approach enhances the Consortium's ability to service their industries with training programmes that effectively contribute to productivity improvement and manufacturing efficiency. The Associate status is for a fixed-term tenure and is awarded to individuals rather than companies. Based on the outcomes of the agreed review process, the status may be renewed or terminated.
Associate Network Benefits. The Associate Network is a win/win situation with the following benefits:
- Businesses are encouraged to engage in productivity/efficiency gains with support from confirmed experts in the area, and receive ITO funding toward training initiatives identified by the process
- Associates are supported by ITOs to link training and structured programmes. This will increase sustainability of initiatives, attract government training subsidies, and give skill recognition to the participants
- A choice of providers / coaches and mentors is available to match the right associate with the relevant business
- ITOs engage with their industries to improve the first line productivity and profit, and to gain programme or qualification completions as a result of business changes.
Through networking activities facilitated by the Consortium, Associates will have the opportunity to share their experiences with other professionals to enhance their own performance, and the performance of other Associates. The results of networking will also improve the Consortium's knowledge and assist the evolution of improved standards, assessment procedures and qualification structures. This evolution will ensure the suitability of these tools to support skill development and recognition of workplace competency in CM techniques.
The Consortium Associate status recognises the development of relationships and processes, as outlined above. There is no link to the Accreditation of Provider Organisations - a quality process administered by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority that relates to the development, delivery and assessment of training against the registered standards a provider organisation holds registration and accreditation in.
The group meets a number of times during the year to consider and vet applications. They will invite experts known to them in advance to submit an application. Successful candidates will then present to the full Board at a quarterly meeting. Becoming part of the Associate network is by application to the CMI Board Selection Subgroup.
For further information please download the following files by clicking on the links below:
0706 Associate Programme and Protocols
0706 Application for CMI Associate
The next intake of Associates is scheduled for mid 2008.