Build your future with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

It’s no secret that Australia’s construction industry still grapples with a shortage of skilled tradespeople. Master Builders Australia anticipates that Australia would need almost half a million new workers to enter the sector to maintain business as usual levels. The Federal government has committed to the Housing Accord with a target of 1.2 million new homes over 5 years from the 1st of July. The number of skilled workers required is even higher to achieve the Housing Accord target.

There is no question that the biggest hurdle to delivering these homes is workforce capacity. Our industry doesn’t just need more workers, it needs more skilled and qualified tradespeople. With demand at an all-time high, now is the time to look at upskilling and turning your knowledge, skills and work experience into a nationally recognised trade qualification. This will help you gain more employment opportunities, start your own business, or grow an existing business to employ a larger team including apprentices.

How can you gain a trade qualification without having to start again?

It’s called Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This process is a formal recognition of the skills, knowledge and experience gained through work experience, to assist in gaining a Certificate III trade qualification. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment-only process designed to formalise years of proven practical experience and knowledge. It involves knowledge questions and practical projects. You will also be required to submit a list of previous employers and duration with references, to verify work experience. In some cases, relevant gap training may be recommended. The program is suitable for those who have been working in the industry for some years, but don’t have the qualifications to prove their skills and knowledge.

7 reasons why you need your skills recognised

1. Increase your earning potential
2. Increase your employment opportunities
3. Apply for a Contractor licence
4. Start up your own business
5. Grow an existing business
6. Gain trust from customers, employers and other businesses
7. Be ready for what the future holds.

Contractor Licence

In NSW, you need a licence or certificate to do any residential building work valued at more than $5000 in labour and materials (including GST). There are different types of licences available in NSW depending on whether you want to contract for another party, supervise work, do the work, or a combination of these roles.

You must have the right qualifications and experience before you can apply for a licence or certificate. A contractor licence allows you to contract and advertise to do work. You can only do the types of work described on your licence. Contractor licences can be issued to individuals and to companies and partnerships. Go to the Fair Trading NSW website for more information.

5 Top Tips for researching the right Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program provider for you:

1. Check that the training provider is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Only registered training organisations (RTOs) that meet government quality standards can issue nationally recognised qualifications. Training.gov.au (TGA) is the national register of Vocational Education and Training (VET). Make sure that the RTO is listed on the TGA website, to confirm that it is registered. As an example, when you search Master Builders Association of NSW on the TGA website, you will see that it has an RTO ID number of 6163.
2. Review contracts, policies and student handbooks carefully. Before signing any enrolment form or training contract, make sure you read all the terms and conditions carefully and fully understand what’s being offered. Ask the training provider to explain anything you are unsure of. If you need further assistance discuss the conditions of enrolment with a friend or colleague. Ensure you understand and agree with any cancellation and refund conditions. In the case your circumstances change, you must understand the cancellation and refund policy and how this affects your enrolment status.
3. Are you eligible for subsidised training? Smart and Skilled is a NSW Government program that helps people gain qualifications for in-demand skills and industries. It’s a key part of the NSW Vocational Education and Training (VET) system. Smart and Skilled gives eligible students an entitlement to government-subsidised training for Certificate II, Certificate III, Certificate IV and Diploma levels. You can check your eligibility on the Smart and Skilled website. RTO providers should provide you with a quote and information on how fees will be processed.
4. Do you need support services? If it’s been a long time since you finished school, it’s important to ask about the support services that are provided. Many RPL programs can be completed online or at your workplace. Technology has developed and it can assist you with completing the RPL program. If you haven’t enrolled into a course for a long time, ask the RTO how they can help you with additional resources. It might be as simple as helping you set a training plan or providing you with how-to videos. Support services should only be a phone call away and can assist you no matter where you are located.
5. Be wary of providers who offer a fast-tracked RPL program. When researching RPL providers, it is tempting to be lured by the promise of a trade qualification in less than 4-6 weeks. Often the fast-tracked process requires minimal input to demonstrate and provide evidence of your competencies and skills. Don’t be fooled by slick sales techniques as these should ring warning bells that something is not right. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The 3-quote rule is good practise when researching your options, but if all you look at is price and time, you may end up with a provider that does not meet your needs.

Website Resources

The Fair Trading NSW website provides information about becoming a licensed tradesperson in NSW and helps you research the correct qualification and experience required for your needs.

The Building Commission NSW is the building regulator, ensuring the quality of residential buildings. They focus on proactive regulation and support industry-led initiatives to build skills and capacity.

The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) is the national regulator for Australia’s vocational education and training (VET). They ensure that RTO providers deliver quality training and assessment and have useful information on their website to assist you in choosing a training provider.

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) website has helpful resources that may assist with your decision-making process.

The Master Builders RPL program

Master Builders offers Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for a range of trades. If you have industry experience, skills and knowledge, you don’t need to start again. You can gain a Certificate III qualification while you are working. Master Builders is flexible in the way that we can also provide you with a learning pathway by attending gap training if required.

The Master Builders RPL program includes online assessments, therefore it is essential that you have access to a computer, laptop or tablet with internet access. You will be required to have access to a worksite and the tools of the trade, including building materials and equipment to perform the assessment tasks. Your safety is important to us, so we will ask that you assess the risks and safety requirements of the work that you will be undertaking and wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The knowledge questions are a series of questions designed to be answered comprehensively. A portfolio of evidence is to be collected for practical projects. This evidence includes documentary evidence, photos, and videos. To assist in gathering evidence you will need to record using a smart phone or GoPro video device.

Throughout the entire process, a Master Builders Customer Service representative will provide ongoing support during your enrolment. You will be introduced from the moment you are enrolled, and support is just a phone call or email away from wherever you are located.

We are committed to providing an assessment service that meets the highest industry standards. When successfully completed, Master Builders provides you with a quality, nationally recognised qualification.

Trade qualifications and pathways available

The Master Builders RPL program is offered for Certificate III Trades and pathways, and can take from 6 months to 12 months to complete:

• CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry
• MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology
• CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying
• CPC30320 Certificate III in Concreting
• Renovation RPL – Kitchen, Bathroom and Laundry Renovation

Get started

The Master Builders website will provide information about our RPL program and the available qualification options. There are useful videos and resources to help you along the way. Applications to Master Builders RPL programs can be made online on the course pages. If you would like more information about the Master Builders RPL program, visit the website and fill in a contact enquiry form. Otherwise give the team a call on 8586 3588.

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Case Study 1

Jack has been working in the family construction business since finishing school. He did not start an apprenticeship at this time but learnt many skills on the job. He is now 28 years old and has been working every day in the business building residential carpentry projects with his dad.
He is looking into becoming a licenced builder to continue the family business but doesn’t want to have to start all over again. After speaking with the Master Builders, Jack discovered the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program suited him the best. Jack enrolled into the Certificate III in Carpentry RPL program.The RPL program takes into consideration all of Jack’s years of work experience. This meant that he could gain his trade qualification while continuing to work full time, on his pathway to a building licence. After Jack completes his Carpentry RPL program he will then need to enrol into the Certificate IV in Building and Construction.

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Case Study 2

David’s life took an unexpected turn, and he had to move back to Sydney to be closer to family. David has always been good working with his hands and enjoyed an outdoor lifestyle. He found work as a Trades Assistant for a licenced Carpenter in Residential Building, constructing houses using timber and steel framing.
But after a few years David needed more income due to the cost of his rent and his boss couldn’t give him a pay rise. Finding a new job with higher pay was becoming increasingly harder without a qualification. To gain his trade qualification David enrolled into the Certificate III in Carpentry RPL program. David aspires to starting his own business in Byron Bay.
The RPL program allowed him to complete the qualification no matter where he was located as long as he had access to a construction site. The Master Builders customer service team worked closely with David to help keep him on track whilst he was moving. A scheduled training plan helped David organise his evidence gathering days whilst working onsite.