Formal assessment is a critical process in ensuring that safe, competent operators carry out work in the Industry.
Jobs in the Forest and Forest Products Industry involve a broad range of activities. In common with many other industries, some of these activities involve varying levels of risk.
Formal assessment is not a test, but a process that gathers evidence to measure competence against national industry standards. Because their role is an important one, people who carry out formal assessments must be qualified to assess and experienced in and knowledgeable about the jobs they assess. In carrying out their role, assessors are guided by principles of assessment and rules of evidence. The Industry-preferred method of assessment is by direct demonstration, questioning to check knowledge and a third party report to support the assessor's judgement. The objective is to confirm the candidate's competence consistently over time.
Many experienced existing workers may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Sometimes RPL is called Recognition of Current Competency (RCC), though both terms mean basically the same thing. This part of the assessment process acknowledges that a person already has skills that just need to be formally recognised.
There are two common reasons for seeking RPL/RCC assessment. Some workers have skills that have been learned on-the-job, while others may hold a certificate or statement for training that was not part of the current national system. Assessments for technical skills or practical work activities will generally require demonstration of the skill. Other kinds of evidence may also be gathered.
It is a significant goal of the Forest and Forest Products Industry to achieve formal national skills recognition for all employees working in the Industry. This goal can be achieved by formally assessing workers in the jobs they do. A nationally recognised Statement of Attainment or qualification can then be issued by a Registered Training Organisation.
