National Training Strategy
In 2012 the Ministry of Health (‘the Ministry’) developed a vision for national training
in stop smoking treatment and workforce development to ensure quality, consistency
and evidence based best practice. The Ministry commissioned Inspiring Limited (IL)
to establish the National Training Service (NTS) and to deliver a range of products
and services to achieve the vision. Part of this contract included the development of
a nationally recognised qualification for stop smoking practitioners (National
Certificate in Health, Disability and Aged Support (Core Competencies) Level 3) and
the development of a national training strategy.
IL developed and launched the National Training Service (NTS) and the qualification
in July 2014. NTS currently administers the Stop Smoking Practitioner Programme
(National Certificate in Health, Disability and Aged Support (Core Competencies)
Level 3), an NZQA accredited level 3 qualification.
NTS has been mandated by the Ministry to deliver on a National Training Strategy.
The purpose of this strategy is to ensure quality, consistency and
standardisation across eight smoking cessation training fields including; core
competencies, brief intervention, advanced competencies, using medicines, service
development, regulation and compliance, specialist groups [mental health,
pregnancy] and health promotion).
The National Training Strategy means that all training will need to meet new
standards and be quality assured (The Standards and Quality Assurance
Programme). This is an opportunity for new and existing trainers and training
developers to have their training validated by the Ministry of Health.
A key part of implementing the National Training Strategy is the establishment of an
alliance between training developers, training providers, students/trainees and
affiliated organisations.
Any training developer or provider can apply to be part of the NTS Alliance. All
members of the Alliance will need to adhere to the Alliance protocols and meet
agreed Alliance standards. The protocols and standards are being developed and will
be finalised in early 2016 after stakeholder engagement.
It is expected that all training developers and providers funded by the Ministry of
Health will become part of the NTS Alliance.
What does this mean for you?
If you are a stop smoking service continue business as usual.
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If you currently provide or develop training in any of the eight training areas,
continue business as usual. All training will need to align to the NTS training
standards as they are released. Training providers will be notified of the timeframes
for when standards are released and when training providers will need to align to
them.
To have your training endorsed by NTS you will need to submit an application
demonstrating how your training meets the NTS training standards. You will also be
asked to outline your experience and any additional expertise you have. An external
panel of experts will assess all applications.
Stop Smoking Practitioner Programme (SSPP) Update
Graduation
Over 50 students have completed the SSPP and have now been awarded a National
Certificate in Health, Disability and Aged Support (Core Competencies) Level 3. NTS
will be holding a graduation ceremony in April. This will be held at the Ministry of
Health Auckland offices.
3rd Intake
Unfortunately NTS was unable to enroll all applicants in the 3rd intake to the SSPP.
NTS received applications well in excess of available places on the programme and
prioritised the available places in consultation with the Ministry.
Due to the industry training requirements NTS, is unable to enroll individuals and all
students must belong to a service or organisation. As a consequence applicants
working within current services that are part of the realignment process could not be
accepted at this time.
The Ministry has asked NTS to prioritise Homecare Medical/ Quitline staff. The 3rd
intake will be made up of Quitline staff.
It is expected that a 4th intake of the SSPP will be held in September 2016 and will
have space to admit many more students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is NTS?
The National Training Service (NTS) was launched in July 2014. NTS offers the Stop
Smoking Practitioner Programme (National Certificate in Health, Disability and Aged
Support (Core Competencies) Level 3), an NZQA accredited training course in
smoking cessation core competencies.
Who runs NTS?
As part of its contract with the Ministry of Health, Inspiring Ltd currently administers
the NTS. For more information visit www.inspiring.org.nz
What is the NTS Alliance?
The NTS Alliance will have three functions: Research and Development, Secretariat
(Logistics) and Training Delivery.
What are the NTS Training Standards, who developed them and where can I find
them?
The NTS training standards for the eight training fields are being developed over the
next three years. They are designed to ensure that the content and outcomes of
training are high quality, consistent and standardized. This does not mean that all
training must be the same or delivered in the same way. However, training outcomes
must meet alliance standards.
The draft standards for brief intervention, smoking cessation fundamentals, using
medicines and advanced competencies have been developed by a group of smoking
cessation experts. These will be circulated to targeted stakeholders in the tobacco
control sector for additional feedback.
All of the standards will be made available on the NTS website. The website will be
launched in April 2016. nts.org.nz/standards
When Can I apply to be part of the Alliance?
Applications to become part the Alliance will open on 31 May 2016.
For more information please contact [email protected]
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www.inspiring.org.nz/nts