Recognition of work or training (trade recognition)
Recognition of work or training (trade recognition) allows people to gain a certificate of recognition in Queensland in an apprenticeship trade, where:
If you have been working in an occupation for a significant period of time (at least six years full-time after you turned 21 years of age), you may be eligible to have your existing skills recognised. This process of recognising existing skills is called recognition of work or training, or trade recognition.
If you think you may be eligible, this process should be undertaken prior to entering into an apprenticeship.
Why apply for trade recognition?
Trade recognition may be useful when:
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applying for a license in some industries
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applying for a new job
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applying for a promotion/pay rise
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applying for further study
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training an apprentice
Who can apply for trade recognition?
To be eligible to apply for trade recognition, you must meet the following three criteria:
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Australian residency (i.e. Australian or New Zealand Citizenship, Permanent Residency status, Temporary Protection Visa, or visa subclass 309 and 820, and visa subclass 457).
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Queensland residency (i.e. residence and/or employment in Queensland).
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At least six years full-time trade work experience after the age of 21 years in the trade you are applying for.
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Training such as apprenticeship training which is completed under the age of 21 may reduce the six year full-time work experience criterion. If you have completed some formal training in your trade, you must provide evidence with your application.
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Where you are not eligible to apply for recognition of work or training because you do not have six years trade work experience, you may be eligible for an apprenticeship or for recognition of prior learning.
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If you enter into an apprenticeship, your current skill level will be taken into account. The advantage of this is that you will not be required to learn skills that you already have. It may also lead to earlier completion of your apprenticeship.
For more information about trade recognition, contact MTA Institute of Technology (MIT) on 3722 3000.
If you are not eligible for trade recognition or you are a trainee, once you have entered into your apprenticeship or traineeship you should discuss the skills you already have with your training provider. Getting your skills recognised this way is called Recognition of Prior Learning.
What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?
RPL is the acknowledgement of a person’s skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience. MIT will measure this against the course in which students are enrolled.
A student possessing some of the skills and/or knowledge taught in the course may be granted credit for a subject, module, course or qualification.
For more information about RPL, talk to MIT on 3722 3000.
Who is a suitable candidate to have prior learning recognised?
The recognition of prior learning process suits people who are skilled and need to gain formal recognition of their abilities to become qualified. The reasons for seeking recognition of prior learning may include:
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needing qualifications in their current occupation
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having qualifications but needing more to get promoted
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looking for a career change and wanting to transfer skills
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moving from volunteer work to paid employment in their field
What kinds of skills and knowledge can count in recognition of prior learning?
How can I show my skills and knowledge?
Dependent on the skills and knowledge required in each qualification, you may be able to provide evidence with the following:
Which qualification should I seek recognition in?
It is important that a candidate seek recognition for those qualifications which will assist their career within their chosen industry.