Operational changes that came into force this week (11 April 2016) see a change to the delivery of the modular-based Child Restraint Technician training, previously managed by the NZ Transport Agency.
The Transport Agency has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with The Salvation Army Education and Employment to deliver the ongoing contracting and registration of Assessor/Trainers to deliver the Child Restraint Technician training and assessment.
Ernst Zöllner, Transport Agency Road Safety Director says: “Child Restraint Technicians play a very important role in keeping children safe on our roads and are trained and certified through a competence-based system. They provide informed advice on the type of child restraints parents and caregivers may need. They also have the practical knowledge to correctly fit child restraints into a vehicle and show parents and caregivers how to do it too. We’re pleased to be working with the Salvation Army to ensure that the Child Restraint Technicians continue to be trained to a high standard.”
Parents and caregivers should not notice anything different following these operational changes as Child Restraint Technicians will continue to be available via a wide range of organisations including retailers, Plunket and community organisations. An interactive map to find a local CRT is available here: www.nzta.govt.nz/childrestraints(external link)
Since 1978 the Salvation Army E&E has upskilled over 60,000 New Zealanders and is New Zealand’s longest running Private Training Establishment. With 16 locations nationwide they’re also one of the largest service providers.
Gregory Fortuin, National Director, The Salvation Army Education and Employment says: "This exciting relationship with the NZ Transport Agency compliments our mission of transforming lives through education and employment. We see this form of training as supporting our mission and contributing to the safety of New Zealanders.”
The Transport Agency will continue to be involved in the child restraint sector and will continue to maintain the Child Restraint Technician’s Training Manual, update the interactive website map and produce education material.
For more information contact:
Andy Knackstedt
National Media Manager
04 894 6285
021 276 3222
Andrew.Knackstedt@nzta.govt.nz
Lynne Johnston
Academic Manager
The Salvation Army Education and Employment
Lynne_Johnston@nzf.salvationarmy.org
021 706 278
