Under the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016, there are restrictions on young people carrying out certain high-risk tasks in the workplace. These include construction activities, operating machinery, and handling hazardous substances. 

As a result, VHNZ will not deliver practical training or assessment for high-risk activities to learners under the age of 15. 

This includes the following courses but is not limited to: 

• Working at Heights 
• Low-Level Scaffolding 
• Pole Top Rescue 
• Stock Picker 
• Quad Bike, Farm Bike, Tractor, 4WD 
• Forklift (OSH), MEWP, Cranes, Telehandler 
• Chainsaw, Agrichemicals 

Learners under 15 can still complete theory-only unit standards, but they are not permitted to participate in any practical components or operate machinery or vehicles as part of training. 

Further notes: 

• All programme and apprenticeship enrolments (including STCW) have a minimum age requirement of 16 years. 
• WorkSafe requires LUV (also known as Side-by-Side) operators to be at least 16 years old.  

For any questions, please contact your Account Manager for further information.