Recognition of Prior Learning
You may choose one of two alternative pathways towards obtaining your qualification. The first is by direct enrolment in a course of study. The other is by Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you want a Certificate or recognised qualification where your experience counts towards its attainment, TIV offers experienced people the opportunity to gain RPL of your current skills through one–on–one personalised assessments by qualified assessors from within your industry.
RPL is a process that allows the competencies you already possess to be recognised, regardless of how you obtained them. These might include skills you picked up on the job, or from other life experiences that do not necessarily include formal training.
Recognition of prior learning suits people who have industry relevant experience such as:
- work skills or knowledge
- paid or unpaid work experience
- life experience
- community work experience
Recognition of prior learning could provide you with a full or part qualification, thus avoiding duplication of training in those skills you already possess. It could also be used to identify what specific training you may need to undertake to complete a qualification. It may also provide a pathway to higher qualifications for people who may not currently have access to further training.
Your RPL Assessor can discuss the evidence you will need to supply with your application if you wish to have your experience recognised.
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Testimonial from Matt Caruana – RPL student, 22 July 2011 Immediately after contacting the trade institute, I was in the process of undertaking my recognition of prior learning to obtain a Diploma of Construction.The Staff have all been so helpful, and have on many occasions gone out of their way to assist me in finalising my RPL. Special thanks to Reif and Sandra for putting up with my demanding ways. You understood my urgency and went above and beyond to make it happen.I have already passed on the details of the Trade Institute to many of my colleagues so that they too can continue their professional development with a team of pros and maximise their full potential via all the Trade Institute have to offer.I again make my services available to all the staff there should they ever be required, that includes site visits. And again a big Thank You.Kindest Regards,Matt Caruana Managing Director Caruana Associates T/A New Age Developments |
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| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Qualifications |
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Applying for RPL
Step 1
The following questions will assist you in deciding whether you are eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. If you answer yes to the following questions proceed to Step 2.
- Have you been working in the industry in a specific trade or occupation for 4 years or more?
- Have you personally performed the jobs and tasks associated with that trade or occupation?
- Do you want your skills and experience formally recognised as a nationally recognised qualification?
- Are you prepared to provide evidence to validate your skills, for example photographic evidence, references, letters from referees, job contracts, job descriptions, licences, tickets etc? (Please note that all of these forms of evidence and more may be required to complete your RPL request)
Depending on the industry you have worked in, you may or may not have documentary evidence readily available. This should not deter you from seeking RPL as the Assessor will work with you during the RPL process.
Step 2
Complete the application form and submit it to Trade Institute of Victoria by
- Mail: PO Box 3158, Newport West, Victoria 3015, Australia
OR - Email: info@tradeinstitute.vic.edu.au
OR - Fax: +61 (0) 3 9399 9566
OR - In person to TIV at 195 Champion Road, Williamstown North, VIC 3016
Once your application has been accepted, TIV will check your application, establish if you are eligible for Government Funding then confirm you via e-mail with the invoice for RPL payment.
Your RPL Kit will be supplied to you upon receiving your payment.
A guide to the RPL process, fees and Government Funding eligibility is summarised in the following table.
| PREREQUISITE | Minimum 4 years or equivalent working experience in your specific field(You will be asked to provide evidence to prove this) |
| DURATION | Approximately 2 – 6 months depending on the applicant |
| RPL FEES Eligibility For Government Funding(Australian Domestic Applicants Only) |
$255 Payment in full must be made prior to the RPL Kit being issuedEligible places are available if you are:
Note: Units of competency not able to be met through RPL may be achieved through GAP training in those particular units. There is no additional cost involved in Gap Training for eligible funded students. |
| RPL FEES Non-Government Funded |
$2,500 payable as follows:
Note: Units of competency not able to be met through RPL may be achieved through GAP training in those particular units. Refer to Gap Training Price List for further information. Prices quoted as at January 2011 and are subject to change. All amounts listed are in Australian dollars. |
How to Pay
See our PAYMENT OPTIONS hyperlink to Payment Options document
RPL Refund Policy
No refund will be issued once an RPL kit has be supplied to the applicant.
Step 3
You will be issued with an RPL Kit. By completing this RPL kit you will gather evidence to support your application. Documents that may be required include but are not limited to:
- Any licences
- Blue Card / Red Card/ White Card (OHS construction induction card)
- Brief CV / resume or work history
- Certificates/results of assessment related to your job skill
- Indentures/trade papers
- Certificates/results of assessment – interstate/overseas
- Certificates/results of assessment – universities
- Results/statement of attendance/certificates – vendor training courses
- Results/statement of attendance/ certificates – in house courses, workshops, seminars, symposiums
- Results/statements of attendance/ certificates – club courses e.g. first aid, officials, surf life saving, etc
- Tickets held e.g. forklift, crane, etc
- Photographs of work undertaken (you are required to be in the photos)
- Diaries/ task sheets/ job sheets/ log books
- Site training records
- Site competencies held
- Membership of relevant professional associations
- Hobbies/interests/special skills outside work
- References/letters from previous employers/supervisors
- Industry awards
- Business cards with company name, your name and position
- Union ticket (CFMEU); CBUS; INCOLINK; COINVEST letters, membership showing your occupation, period of time being employed in the role
- Any other documentation that may demonstrate industry experience
Applicants will also need to provide contact details of two referees who can confirm the applicants’ industry skills in context and over time.
Step 4
Submit your completed RPL Kit for the assessor to process.
Step 5
An interview will be organised with the TIV assessor to discuss your skills and experience to determine competency for each individual unit. In cases where you are not competent in the minimum units required to obtain your qualification, additional training (GAP Training) will be organised with you if you so wish.
Step 6
Enrol in the relevant GAP units if required. Gap Training Cost per Unit. Note that there is no additional fees payable for applicants that are eligible Government Funding.
Step 7
Congratulations!!!
You will be issued with a Certificate if all minimum required units are competently completed or a Statement of Attainment for the partial completion of the qualification.
To refer our RPL Process Chart
