Global earth moving and tyre management company Otraco is one of the latest businesses to benefit from a Central TAFE program that identifies and builds on the skills, knowledge and experiences of existing employees.
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program involves assessing an employee’s job skills, onsite in their workplace, and accrediting them against a formal qualification.
The assessment also helps employeers identify any important gaps in skill sets and offers solutions for addressing them, such as additional training to complete a wide variety of qualifications.
Business and Management RPL Coordinator Frances Gallagher has been working with Otraco at their Bentley premises.
“Otraco has a diverse group of staff involved with the program," Frances said.
"It includes administration specialists, front-line managers and human resource professionals, who are all heading towards different qualifications ranging from a Certificate III in Accounting to a Diploma of Business Management."
“We have various ways of establishing staff levels of competency to award the qualifications. They can include written documents, existing qualifications, interviews and work samples.”
The program benefits both employers and employees as it improves morale, raises job awareness and reduces the need for employees to be replaced. Employees are assessed at their workplace, keeping costs down and ensuring minimum disruption for employers.
For Otraco Training Manager, Ryan Bott the benefits are extensive.
“From an employer point of view, this program provides a recognised skilled workforce and helps develop good employee relationships," he said.
"Also, with the impact of the current skills shortage on the ability to attract staff, a program like this demonstrates a commitment to continual staff development, which has established Otraco as an employer of choice."
Otraco Business Administrator Sandra Meade believes it is a great way to get a credible qualification out of years of practical experience.
“I’ve found the process to be painless and it has given me greater confidence in the job I’m doing, as it highlights the positive aspects of my knowledge and daily duties. Having the option of additional, flexible learning makes it perfect for my work/life balance”, she said.
To find out more about how the Recognition of Prior Learning program and other training options that can support a workforce, contact Frances Gallagher, Business and Management on 08 9427 1222, mobile 0403 580 548 or email her at frances.gallagher@central.wa.edu.au.