The Joinery Industry Training Organisation (JITO) is the first point of contact for the Kitchen and Bathroom Design courses. JITO will provide you with information on how to register for courses, course dates, training agreements, government subsidies and distance learning workbooks.
Contact krisha.black@jito.org.nz
NKBA qualified tutors run the block courses and mark the course assignments. Training manuals and assignments are provided as part of the block course materials.
Who can Study?
It is preferable that students are employed in the joinery or design industries because the course assignments have a practical component that needs to be completed in the workplace. It is possible to complete the introductory qualifications prior to employment however the government subsidy does not apply.
If you are an experienced designer or have other related qualifications (e.g interior design, architectural drafting), you may have earned units that can be cross credited to these National Qualifications. The criteria for cross crediting will depend on the outcome of NZQA’s evaluation of the qualifications. Details will be available on this website early to mid 2011.
About Courses and Tutors
Each course is a combination of distance learning assignments, block courses (which students must attend), and practical experience in the workplace. The block courses are usually held in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch and vary from 3-5 days.
Once you have enrolled you can start your distance learning assignments and you will be automatically registered to attend the block courses relating to your study level.
Courses are structured to enable progressive skill development. Each course is supported with a comprehensive NKBA training manual and other resource material.
Tutors are experienced, qualified Kitchen and Bathroom designers with Certificed Design Society credentials (CKDNZ, CBDNZ or CMKDNZ or CMBDNZ). They use a variety of teaching aids and technology to cater for all student learning styles and ensure the classroom is interactive.
Training Support
Mentoring – Once you are studying, tutors will be available to answer any technical questions their relative students have.
NKBA Chapter Meetings – All Kitchen and Bathroom design students are welcome to attend NKBA meetings in your region. This will enable you to meet with NKBA designers, manufacturers and suppliers in your region and to stay up to date with design and industry matters in an informal and supportive environment. If you would like to attend, please contact NKBA at
info@nkba.org.nz
Student Day – This is an enjoyable way for students to share industry experience, increase product knowledge and discuss current design subjects. A student day is sometimes scheduled to link with the NKBA annual conference. If you are studying and you would like to attend a student day, please contact NKBA at
info@nkba.org.nz
NKBA Annual Conference and the NKBA Kitchen & Bathroom Design Awards – By attending these events, design students can meet with designers, manufacturers and industry suppliers and get to view examples of the best and most recent kitchen and bathroom design work in New Zealand. If you would like to attend either of these events, please contact NKBA at
info@nkba.org.nz
* Fees for attending student days and conference and study weekends apply and attendance is optional.
What about Credentials?
Certified Design Society - Kitchen or Bathroom Design Credentials
(CKDNZ, CBDNZ or MKDNZ, MBDNZ)
Once you have completed the NZQA qualifications, you may apply to become a Certified Designer with the Certified Designers Society (CDS). The CDS credentials are internationally recognised and acknowledge a minimum of four years design industry experience. In conjunction with the NKBA Code of Practice, Certified Designers must also adhere to the CDS Code of Professional Conduct and earn an Annual Practising Certificate by remaining up to date with new products, services and building regulations. To apply for certification, designers must complete an application form and submit a portfolio of current work to gain approval to sit the CDS exam. Upon passing the exam, the designer attains letters after their name - CKDNZ or CBDNZ. A masters Certificate is also available to CKDNZ or CBDNZ designers who have attained 10 years overall industry experience.
For further information, please visit the CDS website (Visit Website) or email frances@stewart-scott.co.nz