JASANZ Launches 2024 Futures Program: Expressions of Interest Now Open

The JASANZ Futures Program 2024 intake is now open for expressions of interest. In this article, we take a deeper dive into the program with JASANZ Learning and Development Manager, Melinda Varley.

The JASANZ Futures Program is a cost free 4-month professional development program designed to upskill your CV in conformity assessment, accreditation, and certification. The program runs annually, and places are limited.

Supporting the future of conformity assessment, accreditation, and certification has never been more critical. The Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JASANZ) took a pivotal step in 2023, inaugurating the JASANZ Futures Program which was themed for industry professionals in the product development industries. The 2024 program looks to invest in the next generation of industry professionals that work with management systems (MS) (such as quality, occupational health and safety, environmental, and Information Security) such as MS Managers and Administrators, (Quality) Coordinators, (Quality) Control Managers and Administrators, (Quality) Assurance Leads as well as those working with integrated Management Systems. The program aims to enhance their extensive understanding and foster an active interest in accreditation, certification, and the conformity assessment ecosystem.

A path to expertise and network building

The Futures Program interlinks theoretical knowledge with pragmatic experiences, equipping participants to navigate through the intricacies of accreditation, certification and compliance and how this system provides confidence to users of products and services in the marketplace. Emerging industry experts from Australia and New Zealand find themselves amid an ecosystem where they not only enhance their skillset but also solidify their networks.

In 2024, The JASANZ Futures Program will focus on Management System Certification. This comprehensive training program, valued at over $8,000, is a golden ticket for emerging experts to widen their skills and plunge into a comprehensive professional development journey, commencing in April 2024.

A comprehensive program structure

The program structure aims to deliver both theoretical and hands-on learning for participants. It will commence with a two-day conference in Sydney featuring an expert line-up of industry professionals from standards bodies, measurement and accreditation bodies, certification bodies and regulators. Over the following four months, participants will then engage with a virtual professional development program focusing on management system certification.

A webinar program exploring the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in various industry sectors, and the different types of evaluation (including management system certification, validation and verification, product certification, inspection and certification of persons), will deliver a well-rounded understanding, which will be put into practice through practical activities. Participants will also have the opportunity to observe a JASANZ assessment of a certification body, or a certification body audit of an organisation’s management system(s).

Applying knowledge to real-world scenarios

A highlight of the JASANZ Futures Program is the engagement of participants in a major project, encouraging them to knit their knowledge into research concerning a conformity assessment issue or opportunity within management systems. This not only solidifies the participant’s theoretical understanding but also empowers them to provide plausible solutions for real-world scenarios.

Feedback from previous participants

The JASANZ Futures Program received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the 2023 program participants who echoed that not only had their knowledge of conformity assessment, accreditation and certification had been broadened, but they also felt they now have the skills to implement it.

New Zealand participant, Candice, commented, “It underscored the importance of integrity as I got more insight into the governance and administrative structures of standards and requirements and systems. I learned a lot about the cost of conformity and have a different appreciation for this. I would wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone. It was a world-class program.”

Are you ready to broaden your future opportunities?

The 2024 JASANZ Futures Program is not merely a learning journey but a pathway to becoming an expert in management systems and conformity assessment. Expressions of interest are now open for emerging industry experts interested in learning more about management system certification and its value to businesses.

?Will you be our next JASANZ Futures Program graduate?

Expressions of interest are now open! Visit our website to find out more: www.jasanz.org/futures

Applications will officially open on Monday, 15 January 2024.