20.12.2007

The NSW State Rescue Board (NSW-SRB) has imposed minimum training requirements on all accredited rescue organisations within NSW, including the VRA. To comply, the VRA has chosen to partner with Risk Response + Rescue (RR+R). This option was adopted such that training and assessment conducted by the VRA is recognised by RR+R, then subsequently by the NSW-SRB  so that nationally recognised Statements of Attainment (SOA) can be issued. Competency Based Training (CBT) is often misunderstood with many myths surrounding it.

What is Competency Based Training?

Competency refers to the skills, knowledge and attitude required to perform a particular job. CBT refers to the learning and assessment systems established to ensure members are developing competency against recognised standards.

In Australia, since the mid 1990’s, competencies have been developed for a myriad of industries and grouped together in Training Packages. These competencies, when endorsed, are nationally recognised and can be transported throughout Australia and across industry sectors.

The competencies required by members of the VRA have mainly been selected from the Public Safety Training Package. However, other training packages are used for specialist units such as the TM07 Maritime Package which is used for Marine Rescue Units.
 
What competencies are required?

Induction units are common for all VRA members and are a pre-requisite to all other roles. Each job consists of a grouping of competencies.

How do you learn?

Learning may occur on the job, through formal training courses, or through self-learning in your own time. How you learn or attain the skills to be deemed competent may vary, however, the most important thing is to question “can I do the job?”.

The VRA offers a range of learning opportunities by providing resources, trainers, mentors, experiences, and courses to assist. Many members have either had many years already doing the job or may have a rescue background. In these instances, there will likely be no requirement for further learning and your existing competency will be recognised in a formal assessment process.

It is important to note that CBT will not replace the existing training system within the VRA, however supports it to meet the requirements of the Australian Qualifications Framework.

How does assessment work?

Assessment has been done within the VRA since inception. It is a process whereby a decision can be made as to whether a member is capable of doing their job or not. Assessment in the CBT system is about showing evidence that you can do a job to the specified standard. It is not about examinations or training for trainings sake. Where possible, VRA assessments are being grouped together so that multiple competencies or co-requisites can be assessed by performing a single task.

Assessors should possess Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (or its equivalent) and be competent in the competencies being assessed. In some instances, for certain competencies, “Assessment Teams” with subject matter experts (SME’s) will be convened due to the technical and specialised nature of the competency.

Upon successful assessment, competent members will receive a Statement of Attainment. As competency may degrades over time, it will be each member’s responsibility, with the support of the VRA, to ensure their competency is maintained to an acceptable standard.