Student Information

ATTENDANCE

Students are expected to:

• Report to Mainland Driving School reception on the first day of their course. (You will be notified of the time to report to reception via email)
• Attend the required hours of the course
• Read any pre-learning material sent to you prior to the course
• Be punctual
• Notify Mainland as soon as possible if you are sick / unable to attend / going to be late

ATTITUDE

• Arrive motivated and ready to learn
• Aim to achieve a high level of performance
• Contribute positively to the group
• Show tolerance and respect to others regardless of gender, ethnicity etc.
• Show respect to other students in the building by working at an acceptable noise level

HARASSMENT

Mainland Driving School Ltd does not tolerate any form of harassment or intimidation of, or by, any student.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

• Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours and either verbal, graphic or physical contact of a sexual nature
• Slurs, jokes and/or other verbal, graphic or physical conduct relating to an individual’s race, colour, sex, religion, natural origins, age or disability

If you consider yourself to be a victim of any form of harassment, or if you observe conduct which is presumed to be harassing in nature, you must immediately report the incident to the trainer, or in their absence, the Training Manager, or any Administration staff member.

MOBILE PHONES

• Students may bring their mobile phones, however, they are only to be used when on a break. They must be on silent during lessons, training and driving

SMOKING

• There is no smoking permitted inside any of the buildings or vehicles

ALCOHOL & ILLEGAL DRUGS

• Students must not be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs whilst on site or driving

If you should at any time breach the expected code of conduct then you may be asked to leave the course. At all times Mainland Driving School Ltd will act fairly and consistently in any disciplinary dealings with you. All instances and allegations of misconduct will be addressed at the earliest practicable time.

In keeping with the stated objectives of Mainland, every effort will be made to ensure fair assessment practices. Any learner assessed as “not yet competent” in any element is given the option of reassessment at a convenient time. (This may or may not be charged at the discretion of the General Manager).

If any trainee has an issue with any assessment or is unhappy with either the assessment result or process, then they should take the following steps:

• Speak to the assessor at the course stating the reasons for being unhappy. If this does not resolve the matter, then;
• Within 10 working days from the end of your course write to the General Manager, Mainland Driving School Ltd, PO Box 11-394, Sockburn, Christchurch, stating the reason(s) that you are unhappy.

Your appeal to the General Manager must include the following:

• All relevant documentation/information in your possession relating to the appealed situation
• A summary of the reasons for the appeal
• Details of what you believe should happen and what you expect as a result of your appeal
• Any other evidence you think is relevant to your appeal case.

You will then receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your appeal within 10 working days.

The General Manager will investigate the situation. Once a decision has been made, you will then be advised of the result with 5 working days.

If you are still not satisfied with the outcome of your appeal you are entitled to make a further appeal to any of the following education authorities:

• The relevant Workforce Development Council
• The principal Training Provider, for example a Polytechnic that may be involved
• Your regional Tertiary Education Commission who is the Government representative.

MDS has used the Te Pūkenga Educational Regulatory Framework, includes the Ākonga Concerns and Complaints Policy. This provides the following definitions of concerns and complaints:

Concern - A matter where it is likely that resolution can be obtained by direct, informal consultation with the people concerned. A situation where the ākonga considers appropriate standards have not been met but the impact on them has not been great.

Complaint - An expression of dissatisfaction where the ākonga seeks some form of redress or change in a situation; where the ākonga considers that there has been a direct and significant adverse impact on him/her, which requires a formal process of resolution

If a learner has a concern relating to any aspect of your experience at Mainland Driving School, the first contact person is the tutor. If it is not appropriate to advise the tutor then please make contact with the General Manager.

If the situation cannot be resolved then the matter should be referred to the management of Mainland Driving School Ltd and a complaint form will be completed.

All complaints will be investigated within 48 hours of the complaint being made. This may change at the discretion of the director.

In all situations the complainant will be informed in writing of the process and outcome.

Any person who makes a complaint is entitled to bring a support person to any meeting they attend when discussing the complaint.

If the situation is still not resolved, the learner may take the complaint to an external avenue, such as their employer, the agency who funded the training, or NZQA.

Any person making a complaint is welcome to use the service provided by the tertiary education dispute resolution team at: tedr.org.nz

Complaints can be made by contacting NZQA on 0800 697 296. A learner can forward any written complaints by email to: [email protected]

All complaints will be reviewed by the Director of Mainland Driving School.

On arrival at the premises, the administration desk or Tutor explains the Company’s Health and Safety policies and procedures to learners, and refers them to the relevant section of their enrolment material.

The policies and procedures of any company at which training is taking place are also explained to the learners, either by an appropriate member of staff of that company, or by the General Manager of Mainland Driving School or by the Tutor.

Learners are provided with information on Health and Safety procedures and sources of support and guidance in the information material provided on enrolment.

All personnel – management, tutors and learners – are collectively responsible for following safe operating practices and procedures that will safeguard themselves, other tutors/learners and the public at all times.

Learner responsibilities are:

• To take all reasonable care of their own safety and health and that of others; and
• To co-operate in the implementation of the Company’s safety and health policies and procedures, its supporting organisation and arrangements; and
• To notify the General Manager or tutor immediately when any conditions or practices may cause personal injury, harm or property damage; and
• To observe all safety rules and to make maximum use of all prescribed personal protective equipment and to follow practices and procedures established to maintain their health and safety; and
• To report immediately to the General Manager or Tutor any accidents or incidents.