Common Questions

Q: How long have you been teaching Rigger and Scaffolder courses?

A: For over 26 years. Our trainers have a wide range of work experience and are supported by state of the art training and learning processes.

Q: Why do you offer workshops in conjunction with your formal training?

A: Firstly, the workshops allow a simple, straightforward but comprehensive way of gaining and proving competence required for the relevant High Risk Work Licences. Clause 6.4 of the National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work states that "Practical training can be undertaken in the workplace as part of the productive work of the trainee, or in a training facility that includes a simulated work environment, or using a combination of both these training environments." Trainees quite often opt to undertake their training in the workplace for High Risk Work Licences such as dogging, forklift, EWP and basic scaffolding as this work is relatively basic in nature and also for crane operation where they have access to the necessary crane. Trainees for other High Risk Work licences find it difficult to complete the full range of work required for their particular licences. For example, an Intermediate Riggers may work for a crane company and find it difficult to get experience for erection of tilt slabs, and vice versa. Intermediate Scaffolders rarely have access to very much tube and coupler scaffolds other than drop scaffolds which is really advanced work.

NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES, our workshops fill the gaps for all of our trainees in a time efficient manner.

Secondly, many EMPLOYERS prefer to have their workers attend our workshops as they know that we fulfil all of the legislative requirements on their behalf and keep records to that effect.

     

Q: How many people have you trained?

A: We have issued over 4000 National Certificates to riggers, scaffolders and crane operators in the past 14 years.

Q: Will I get some hands-on practice during the course or will it just be theory?

A: We get you working with the crane or scaffold as soon as we can. Adults learn better by doing, not by talking about it.

Not surprisingly, student feedback tells us that they like the hands-on learning best. It also enables us to start your log book during your time with us.

Q: What is a Training Plan and why is it needed?

A: A Training Plan is required of employers who employ trainees to carry out high risk work under supervision (Section 31 a of the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2009.) The requirements are set down in Section 33 (WHSR 2009). (See links page.) This is an employer requirement — Log books are a trainee requirement.

The Training Plan is also a better (and more complete) way of proving the required experience. A letter from an employer saying that you have worked for them as a trainee rigger, scaffolder etc is unlikely to cover all the bureaucratic requirements set down by WHSQ. In other words Training Plans and the Training Record (Log Book) help make your certificate certain in these uncertain times. we want your certificate to be bulletproof!!!

Q. So what is the process involved?

A. Well, it is much the same as before except there are more hoops to jump through, but then that's where we can help.

There are basically two streams:
1. EXPERIENCED WORKERS: Attend our training course to be certain that you have the knowledge and skills required to sit for the assessment. This fulfils the requirement for Formal Training. You will be provided with a Log Book, Training Plan, etc. to complete prior to assessment. For those who successfully complete their Log Book in our 2 day Workshop, assessment will be on Day 5 (Friday). A Statement of Attainment will be issued to persons who successfully complete their assessment. Others may choose to complete their Log Book at their workplace and complete their Practical assessment at a later date.
2. NEW STARTERS: Attend our training course to gain your underpinning knowledge and skills. We will give you a Statement of Attendance to show your employer or prospective employer. We will also provide you with a Log Book and Training Plan to record your practical experience. Once you have completed the practical experience, you can arrange to be assessed. You can also choose the Workshop option mentioned above.
3. ROCK UP FOR A CHALLENGE TEST: Despite all the changes supposedly designed to move from an assessment model to a training model, WHSQ still allows the assessment model to continue under the guise of a "Challenge Test." So a person who can prove that they have the required experience to prove Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can apply to do the Challenge Test which is simply the assessment.

   In the opinion of WHSQ, it is unlikely that anyone who attempts the challenge test without training will pass. WHSQ have also restricted access to answers to the new assessments which increases the likelihood that someone sitting a challenge test will fail!

Q: Is it possible to get employment or on-the-job experience from my training?

A: We cannot and do not make any promises regarding gaining employment as a result of completing our training courses. However, we do believe that your employment opportunities will be improved as a result of undertaking training to work in a prescribed occupation. In our new training environment, employers will increasingly recognise the initiative shown by persons willing to work their way up the employment ladder.

Q: Will I have to arrange for the cranes or other equipment necessary to do the course or the assessment?

A: We have all the equipment required for the assessments already on site including a lattice jib slewing mobile crane, 3 slewing cranes, elevating work platforms, 3 different types of system scaffolding and tube and coupler scaffolding. Unless you specifically request to be assessed on site our prices are all inclusive.