Certificate perspectives
The candidates
Potential candidates often find it useful to hear the thoughts of people who have already participated in the certificate course. Statistical Education and Research (SER) spoke to three previous candidates and asked them for their insights into the workload, and the impact the certificate has had on their job and the work they do.
All three work for Statistics New Zealand, one as a programme manager and the others as statistical analysts.
How has the certificate benefited you in the job you do?
Craig: I found the knowledge I gained from the unit standards has helped me to speak with confidence on statistical matters. The work I do involves reviewing the processes for producing statistics, and identifying improvements. I do not regularly complete analysis or interpretation of statistics; however, having the knowledge I have gained has allowed me to dig deeper into areas where my previous knowledge was too general.
Liz: I started the course while working at Statistics NZ, and I was keen to move from my corporate services role into a statistical one. Doing the course meant that I was able to demonstrate some statistical ability, and I'm sure it helped me get my new role. Once in the statistical role, I have been grateful to have the course as background to help my understanding of the collections my team is responsible for.
Paul: My statistics experience was previously limited to learning what was necessary to complete undergraduate research at university, and very little since then, so I knew right away that the certificate was at a good level for me. Having the public sector context has really helped, particularly information about the legal aspects of privacy and confidentiality. I now feel much more confident about the processes behind producing official statistics, which is really helpful for the service area role I have.
Craig: I did this really for my own learning. Having mostly worked in areas that did not require statistical analysis, I sometimes found that my lack of experience would be highlighted in job interviews or reviews. I felt that having the certificate would give me something extra for my CV that provides a recent example of my knowledge and experience.
What about the time commitment you had to make?
Liz: I put in a couple of hours a week on average. I haven't found it really onerous, but as always, trying to study while working full time is quite difficult.
Craig: I would estimate that, on average, I had to study about 6–7 hours for each of the four unit standards. This would include reading the material (course material and exemplar reports), then preparing and reviewing the written responses. I also found that this time could be reduced, depending on how soon after the seminars you complete the assessment.
On top of this, there was the time for seminars and tutorials. A few of us held informal study groups as well, with colleagues on the certificate course, which I found particularly useful.
At first, I probably underestimated how much time it would take to write up responses. This wasn't so much about the reading and pre-preparation as it was about finding the right examples in the reports and typing up the response.
Paul: I’d agree with both those comments. My manager has been very good, allowing me time each week, but in truth the assessments often fell down my list of priorities. Like other people I have spoken to it has been good to spend a half day, perhaps two or three times a month, on an assessment, depending on how long they have taken me. Some are more involved than others.
I also found the tutorial sessions a great help, in cementing my understanding but particularly for motivating me to finish assessments.
How about the seminars themselves? Did they prove to be worthwhile?
Paul: They have been really good. Having a variety of styles from different lecturers has made the seminars engaging and interesting.
Liz: I really enjoyed the seminars and getting to know the other participants. I would have preferred more time between each seminar – we had a month between each of them – but I understand this has been changed since I did the course [Seminars are now run roughly two months apart instead of one.].
Craig: The two-day seminars required a fair amount of commitment in terms of time, but I found it ultimately worthwhile. I was unable to attend one seminar, and I found that this topic required more time and effort to build my understanding to a sufficient level to complete the assessment. The assessments also required commitment, but were flexible enough to work around other priorities at work and home.
The tutor
Nathaniel is one of the tutors who run sessions for candidates in the weeks after each seminar. SER asked for his input on the role of the tutorials.
Nathaniel: The tutorials aim to assist candidates through their assessments. Following the seminars, it is often really helpful for candidates to sit down together and have a look at what the assessments will ask them to demonstrate and how to go about it.
Discussion usually centres on applying what has been learnt in the seminars to the learning outcomes for the unit standard, as well as the exemplar reports.
On the whole, tutorials are very popular and well attended. Candidates usually attend two or three sessions, which helps encourage them to complete their assessment tasks. Of course, if candidates have questions about the assessments they are encouraged to get in touch with tutors by phone or email as well.
The manager
Bridget has enrolled many candidates in the certificate course since its inception. SER asked how it had benefited her unit.
Bridget: Several members of my unit have either achieved or are currently studying for the certificate. I have seen a real lift in confidence in these people and a genuine sense of achievement as they complete various modules. The certificate gives people confidence in the basics initially, which lays the foundations for people to elevate their expectations of themselves though progressive challenges. It has been particularly satisfying to see these people leverage off their achievements to really deliver successfully in the workplace, assist their colleagues as the 'go to' person for the unit on a particular theme, and most notably to utilise their experience to seek and achieve promotion.
The certificate provides excellent value for money. It offers a sound investment in capability over an extended time, which allows staff to balance workload with learning, grow in confidence and ability at a rate that suits them, and reduces the need to invest in alternative external training. I really feel I have gained a tenfold return on investment in the certificate in the form of improved statistical capability across the team, expanded awareness and participation in the Official Statistics System, and a better overall understanding of official statistics protocols and principles.
As the first cohorts move through the certificate successfully, I am seeing a growing interest from others in the team and the organisation to sign-on and reap the benefits the certificate offers.