Phone app trialled for tractor micro-credential assessment

Photo supplied by Hanzon Jobs Ltd

Conversations with industry led to the Hanzon app being used as part of a pilot project led by Primary ITO, with funding from the Food and Fibre Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE). The Primary ITO pilot was one of three running across the sector supported by the CoVE, trialling the use of different technology for learner assessment.

Learners completing the tractor micro-credential have traditionally recorded their driving experience in a paper-based logbook, logging a preset number of driving hours, weather conditions, terrain, and the type of farm work being undertaken.

The phone app was able to collect all of this information, with the ability to attach photos. It also allowed Primary ITO to preload specific data, jobs and tasks e.g. steps for setting up and using a tractor for mowing, enabling the learner to log their driving time and completion of various tasks. Employers could then view the data and validate their work. Course tutors could also access the app and follow up with learners as needed.

Primary ITO sector manager Tanya Ingram led the project, saying the authenticity of the data is a key benefit.

“Learners have to log the information in real time, otherwise that weekly view will disappear. It enables the learners to easily record the practical evidence for their assessment, which often was over and above what was required for completing the micro-credential.

“They then printed off reports that could be submitted as evidence to support their assessment.”

Learner Alex, machinery operator at Strange Contracting Ltd

Learner Alex Oakden, 20, a machinery operator at Strange Contracting Ltd in Golden Bay, took part in the pilot. Alex started working for his employers Stacey and Tristan Strange as part of his high school’s Gateway programme. Four years on, he is loving his role on farm and thought the Primary ITO tractor micro-credential would be a good addition to his CV.

He says logging his tractor driving experience using the app was “super easy” and so was accessing the information afterwards.

“I’ve been driving tractors for a while now, but this training was useful to learn the theory and some health and safety regulations around it. I used the app to log information while doing my timesheet at the end of the day. When it’s on your phone, you always have it on you.”

His employers Stacey and Tristan Strange have used the Hanzon app since it first became available for general use. Stacey says it lets them see how a learner is tracking, and where any further conversations or training might be required.

“I can go on and see what they’ve logged, see if its correct, or give them a reminder if they’ve forgotten to use it.

“The learner can also see their own progress and how their experience adds up. It can help to build a record for young people who might not have a big CV, to help them find a job in the future. It’s also another way of reference checking when taking on a new staff member, to see what experience someone has had, and whether they might need more training.”

Tanya Ingram says the benefits of using digital technology to collect evidence for assessment are clear, and the pilot will help to inform future developments in this space.

The pilot wrapped up in June, with independent agency Scarletti now writing up the findings of the three projects funded by the Food and Fibre CoVE.

In addition to our tractor micro-credential, Primary ITO offers five more vehicle-related micro-credentials. You or your staff can enrol at any time and gain the knowledge needed to safely operate vehicles while working in any role within the primary industries. Vehicle options include: tractor, LUV, quad bike, motorcycle and 4WD. For more information on these micro-credentials, click here.

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Phone app trialled for tractor micro-credential assessment

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