Designed to help employers and skilled workers in South Australia, a pilot of the Occupational Recognition Service (ORS), has been launched. This service offers a pathway for individuals to have their skills and experience formally recognised, even if they haven’t completed a formal apprenticeship or traineeship.
The ORS, delivered by the South Australian Skills Commission, certifies a person’s existing skills or experience in a specific occupation, equating it to the level of a graduating apprentice or trainee. This certification process involves a thorough assessment of skills and knowledge, ensuring the individual’s expertise is recognised in line with industry standards.
“We need innovative ways to bridge the gap between skills and experience gained through employment, and formal trade qualifications. We need to build our skilled workforce quickly, but with the right guardrails in place. The Occupational Recognition Service builds on the Malinauskas Government’s strategic approach to combat persistent skills shortages felt by industry and the community. It provides a pathway for people to gain certification for the knowledge they already have, and for people new to our state, a way to have their experience and skills acknowledged.” said the Hon Blair Boyer MP, Minister for Education, Training and Skills.
The purpose of this program is to tackle critical skill shortages across various industries, support regional migration, and help individuals secure better-paying opportunities. Currently, a pilot program is underway in partnership with the Motor Trade Association of SA/NT, testing the assessment methodology for occupations such as automotive electrician, light vehicle mechanical technician, heavy commercial vehicle technician, vehicle body repair technician and automotive refinishing technician.
In addition to the automotive industry, the ORS will expand to include other sectors such as hospitality, construction, early childhood education and care, nursing, aged care, and personal care. The Commission collaborated with key stakeholders to develop this assessment process to ensure the service is applicable across all sectors.
“This service helps skilled individuals receive the recognition they deserve and provides employers with an additional pipeline of workers that wouldn’t otherwise be available. The Commission has been working directly with our 10 Industry Skills Councils, comprising senior representatives of peak employer associations, industry associations, unions and technical regulators, to develop the skills and knowledge test for a given occupation and manage the industry interview and skills assessment process. An important aspect of the ORS is that gap training could include a partial traineeship or apprenticeship.
This is especially relevant for skilled migrants, where qualifications achieved in their home country are only partially equivalent to an Australian qualification.” said Commissioner Cameron Baker, Chair of the SA Skills Commission.
“Technicians with years of on-the-job experience can now get recognition for the skills they have developed throughout their career. Businesses and technicians need to be ready for whatever enters the workshop. A light vehicle mechanic with on-the-job experience in auto-electrical can now be recognised for skills across both trades. The MTA as the industry leader in automotive skills training is pleased to partner with the SA Skills Commission and Department of State Development to deliver the Occupational Recognition Service.” said Darrell Jacobs, Motor Trades Association SA/NT CEO.
A significant advantage of the ORS is that it simplifies and fast-tracks the recognition process for current and future migrants, helping to bridge gaps in the local workforce. The service also enables successful participants to become supervisors and trainers for the next generation of workers, addressing the growing need for skilled mentors in various industries.
Applicants for the service will pay a fee of up to $1,871, with a fee waiver policy under development to support vulnerable groups and ensure economic equity.
Learn more about the Occupational Recognition Service.