The National Skills Commission has, for the first time, introduced a new qualification for road workers; promising better safety outcomes in the industry.
Developed by the Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA), the new eleven-part qualification industry skills card incorporates specially designed part qualifications introduced under the nationally qualification RII30920 Certificate III in Civil Construction – Bituminous Surfacing.
The industry skills card is transferable and will recognise prior experience. In partnership with industry stakeholders, this scheme will identify, train, and provide each worker a qualification on a skill set basis.
AfPA sought to introduce the qualifications on the rationale that the bituminous surfacing industry is a specialist trade skill set that ensures the safety of the travelling public and protects the government’s most valuable asset – its roads.
AfPA has developed the foundation of the industry skills card which is transferrable and recognises prior experience and the academies of each organisation. In partnership with industry stakeholders, this scheme will identify, train, and provide each worker with a qualification on a skill set basis.
The following skills sets within the industry card have been developed to date:
- Safely handle bituminous materials
- Asphalt Surfacing
- Spray Sealing
- Profile planer Operations
- Insitu Stabilisation Operations
All units of competency will be delivered by AfPA endorsed RTO’s under a Training Delivery Agreement, with industry developed and validated resources.
AfPA’s Executive Director of Knowledge and Partnerships, Tanja Conners, said workers should be recognised for their unique skills and competencies.
“Simply put, those who deliver the nation’s highest order roads should possess qualifications specific to this industry to ensure quality, safety, long-term durability, performance, and workforce sustainability,” Ms Conners said.
“We are extremely pleased to be able to deliver this industry-first set of qualifications and want to thank the National Skills Commission for their assistance as we look to provide confidence to procurers and promote attraction and retention of talent to the industry.”
All units of competency will be delivered by AfPA-endorsed RTOs under a Training Delivery Agreement, with industry-developed and validated resources.
AfPA will host an online briefing on the new qualification on23 November.
Visit the AfPA website to register for the online briefing.
