Whether you're wielding tools on-site or eyeing a managerial role, having the right certifications can catapult your career, augment your income, or even pave the way for entrepreneurial ventures. If you’re looking to fast-track your construction career without the conventional route of an apprenticeship or extra study, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can be a game-changer.
Why Certifications Matter in Construction
Certifications, trade licences, and other formal qualifications are more than badges; they're keys to unlocking the full spectrum of possibilities in the construction industry. They're your passport to higher pay, career acceleration, and the autonomy to venture into contracting or management roles.
However, the traditional path of acquiring these credentials can involve significant time off work and personal sacrifices on your end. That’s where RPL comes in.
Understanding RPL and Its Benefits
What is RPL?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process designed for skilled professionals who have gained substantial knowledge and experience in their field, but may not have formal qualifications to show for it. In the construction industry, where practical skills are as valuable as theoretical knowledge, RPL is a way to validate your expertise. It involves assessing the skills and knowledge you have acquired through your work experience, informal training, and life experiences, and matching them against the criteria of a formal qualification.
The Benefits of RPL
- Acknowledgment Your Experience: RPL recognises the hard work and learning you’ve done on the job, treating it as valuable as classroom learning.
- Time Saving: Instead of sitting through classes covering things you already know, RPL fast-tracks you to qualification based on your existing skills.
- Cost-Effective: By avoiding unnecessary coursework and training, you save money on education expenses.
- Career Advancement: With a formal qualification, you’re better positioned for promotions, higher-paying roles, and new job opportunities.
- No Disruption to Current Work: RPL allows you to continue working while you obtain your qualification, meaning no lost income or time off.
- Fulfils Licensing Requirements: In many trades, formal qualifications are necessary for licensing in certain states. RPL can help you meet these requirements.
- Professional Recognition: A formal qualification earned through RPL is recognised and respected in the industry, elevating your professional standing.
- Opens Up Further Education Opportunities: With a formal qualification, you may be eligible for further education courses, potentially even at an advanced level.
- Personal Satisfaction: Achieving a qualification through RPL can be a great personal milestone, validating your years of hard work and experience.
How Skills Certified Australia Simplifies RPL
At Skills Certified Australia, we understand that your time is precious. That’s why we’ve made the RPL process straightforward and supportive.
Here’s a how we help you get your qualification via our partner RTOs:
Understanding Your Goals
We start by having a chat with you to understand your career aspirations. This helps us figure out which qualification will best serve your needs.
Gathering Your Evidence
You’ve got skills, and you’ve probably got proof. This could be photos or videos of your work, any informal training you’ve done, references from bosses or clients, and more. We guide you on how to put this all together to make your case.
Getting You Qualified
We partner with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) who assess your skills and experience based on your portfolio. If there are areas where you need a bit more know-how, we’ll organise some additional training, usually at no extra cost to you.
With RPL, you can turn your hard-earned skills into recognised qualifications, paving the way for career advancement, higher pay, and more exciting opportunities.
Ready to take your construction career to the next level?
Take our free 60 seconds skills check and find out if you’re eligible for RPL.
