Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a way of getting any previous relevant experience – working, training, volunteering, including activities in the community – formally recognised towards a qualification. This can be a shortcut to getting a qualification because you will be formally recognised to have completed parts of the training requirements.
How Recognition of Prior Learning works
RPL is required to be provided by all registered training organisations (rtos) including workready training providers.
For example, if you are currently employed, had previous work, had work experience or are doing some volunteering, the skills you have may count. If you’ve coached a local sports team, been the administrative person, treasurer or committee member, it may count as evidence of organisational skills, team work and problem solving. The initial assessment is usually through an interview. You will be asked to show evidence of past experience, training or skills relevant to the training course you want to do. Useful evidence includes résumés, certificates, performance reviews and job descriptions.
After your RPL assessment RTO will tell you how much of your chosen course will be assessed or passed – in other words which parts have been recognised. They will then tell you which parts of your training you have ‘done’ and which units you will need to enrol in.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is when a training provider allows you to count previous education or training in a similar field or topic towards part of the qualification. This can reduce the number of subjects you have to do to gain your qualification. You will need statements of academic achievement to support your request for credit.
Contact the student services or course lecturer for counting previous study towards your next qualification.
Skilling your staff is good for your business and good for your workforce.Good for your business
Training can improve business performance, profit and staff morale. Advantages to your business include:
You choose what new skills your workforce gains, targeting skills to meet the needs of your operation for now and in the future
Training your staff can result in better customer service, better work safety practices and productivity improvements
You demonstrate to your workforce that you value them enough to invest in them, improving loyalty and staff retention. In turn, retention is a saving to you.
Good for your workers
Training has many benefits for your staff:
♦ They acquire new skills, increasing their contribution to the business and building their self-esteem
♦ The training they do can take them into other positions within the organisation – positions with better prospects and/or better pay
♦ They are upskilled to do new and different tasks, which keeps them motivated and fresh
♦ Because they are being trained on your time, they see that you value them enough to invest in them. A good company is seen as one that retrains rather than churns.
USI (The Unique Student Identifier)
Every year almost four million Australians build and sharpen their skills by undertaking nationally recognised training. All students doing nationally recognised training need to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). This includes students doing Vocational Education Training (VET) when they are still at school (VET for secondary students).
What is a USI?
The Unique Student Identifier or USI is a reference number made up of 10 numbers and letters that:
♦ Creates a secure online record of your recognised training and qualifications gained in Australia, even from different training organisations
♦ Will give you access to your training records and transcripts
♦ Can be accessed online, anytime and anywhere
♦ Is free and easy to create and
♦ Stays with you for life
Who needs a USI and why?
If you are a new or continuing student undertaking nationally recognised training, you need a USI in order to receive your qualification or statement of attainment. If you don’t have a USI you will not receive your qualification or statement of attainment. Your USI will give you access to an online record of the training you have done since 1 January 2015. You will also be able to produce a comprehensive transcript of your training. This can be used when applying for a job, seeking a credit transfer or demonstrating pre-requisites when undertaking further training. If you are an international student studying offshore and do not intend on coming to Australia to do your study you do not need a USI. However, if you are an Australian expat or resident and have an Australian ID, you need a USI even if you do the VET course while outside Australia. If you are an International student who will be studying in Australia you will require a USI. You will only be able to create a USI using once you have arrived in Australia.
For more information visit https://www.usi.gov.au
What is apprenticeships or traineeships
Become skilled in a trade or job by learning under people who know the ropes. An apprenticeship or traineeship is your way of getting qualified – and you’ll be paid a wage while you’re learning.
Benefits of an apprenticeship or traineeship
Apprenticeships and traineeships are ways to become trained and qualified in a trade or particular type of job. They offer benefits, including:
♦ The ability to work and earn money while you’re getting your qualification
♦ A nationally recognised qualification on completion of training
♦ A mix of classroom or workshop learning (off-job) and practical (on-job) learning
♦ Real life experience in the workplace.
Apprenticeships and traineeships can be full-time, part-time or school-based (done while you’re at school).
How an apprenticeship works
An apprenticeship is the time spent learning a skilled trade under a qualified tradesperson. There are hundreds of different trades – from hairdresser to mechanic, electrician to chef, plumber to cabinet maker. You can start the process of becoming an apprentice at any time:
♦ If you are at school
♦ If you are just out of school
♦ If you are already working
♦ If you are unemployed.
As an apprentice, you and an employer have a legal agreement called a training contract. This lasts until you have completed your training and both you and your employer agree you are competent. A training contract cannot be terminated without the mutual agreement of both you and your employer. You’ll learn on-job under your supervisor at your place of work, as well as off-job with a training provider. You’ll study towards a nationally recognised qualification and obtain a trade certificate when you finish. The state government may subsidise your off-job training, meaning you pay less towards course fees.
How a traineeship works
A traineeship is the time spent learning a job (or vocation) under a supervisor. You can do a traineeship in just about any workplace, for example in a shop, a fast food outlet or office.
Traineeship qualifications range from Certificate II up to Advanced Diploma.
You can start the process of becoming a trainee at any time:
♦ If you’re at school
♦ If you’re just out of school
♦ If you’re already working
♦ If you’re unemployed.
As a trainee, you and an employer have a legal agreement called a training contract. This lasts until you have completed your training and both you and your employer agree you are competent. A training contract cannot be terminated without the mutual agreement of both you and your employer.
You’ll learn on-job under your supervisor at your place of work, as well as off-job with a training provider in order to complete your nationally recognised qualification. In some instances, training may be completely undertaken in your workplace. The state government may subsidise your off-job training, meaning you pay less towards course fees.
For more information visit http://www.skills.sa.gov.au/apprenticeships-traineeships/get-an-apprenticeship-or-traineeship/what-is-an-apprenticeship-or-traineeship
Contact Regulation and Contract Management for assistance or information about apprenticeships or traineeships. Phone 1800 673 097 (Toll Free) Weekdays 8:30am – 5:30pm
