Author: Arti Bus

Cleaning qualifications: Do they need a tidy up?

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In the past, many cleaners learnt their skills through informal on-the-job training. Increasingly, however, the industry is taking advantage of the benefits of nationally recognised training. Enrolments in Certificate II, III and IV cleaning qualifications have increased by more than a third since 2015, a trend that is expected to continue. Nationally recognised qualifications support career development, attract government funding, and assure clients and employers that workers meet national standards for safety and efficiency. In coming years, the cleaning industry will be making greater use of digital technology and robotics. Cleaners will need knowledge of green technologies, materials and practices, of the impact of mould and other biotoxins, of infection control, and of disaster cleaning. The Property Services IRC is exploring whether cleaning qualifications still meet industry needs. To find out more, see our project page.

New post author for HVAC

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Regular cleaning of ducted and split-system air conditioning installations is very important for efficient performance and for protecting indoor air quality and human health. Although there are millions of these systems in Australia, there are no nationally recognised qualifications for this work. We believe there is a strong need for such a qualification.

Safe work unit

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In December, Artibus conducted webinars and face-to-face forums in capital cities and major regional centres throughout Australia in order to gather industry advice on a wide range of construction industry projects.  A issue common to all projects was the Construction IRC’s recommendation that CPCCWHS1001  Prepare to work safely in the construction industry be included as a core unit in all Certificate I, II and III qualifications submitted to the AISC for endorsement.

Safe Work Australia’s Model Code of Practice: Construction Work states that no one can undertake construction work unless they have completed general construction induction training. CPCCWHS1001, also known as the white card unit, encompasses the skills and knowledge required, and the IRC unanimously agreed that its inclusion as a core unit was important for work health and safety.

More than 70% of employers supported the proposal. Support from RTO representatives was slightly less—60%—with many expressing concerns about the administrative burden this may cause.  The arguments and advice put forward by stakeholders have been summarised in the Cases for Endorsement to be assessed by the AISC in their February 2020 meeting.

Bushfires and Building

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The bushfire crisis has had, and continues to have, a devastating impact on life and property across Australia. When the current emergency is over, Australians will be rebuilding. Decisions will need to be made on where and how this is done.
Previous catastrophic bushfires have prompted state and territory governments to strengthen bushfire building standards. With more than a million homes in Australia within 100 metres of bushland, it’s important that a skilled workforce is available to ensure these standards are met.
Artibus Innovation is seeking advice on training for land-use and construction assessors in bushfire-prone areas—people who can advise on planning and design in order to mitigate risk. To have your say on this, register your interest, or just find out more, please visit our project page.

Construction Projects Near Completion

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The industry-led review and improvement of training package components in a number of projects is nearing completion, with Cases for Endorsement for the following projects to be assessed by the AISC in their February meeting:

  • Building Completions
  • Bricklaying, Blocklaying & Stonemasonry
  • Carpentry and Joinery
  • Painting and Decorating
  • Demolition
  • Plumbing Services
  • Construction Pathways

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this process
We have sought input from all stakeholders—including industry associations, large and small businesses, contractors, workers and unions—to ensure that qualifications and units fully cover the skills and knowledge required by Australian industry in the 2020s.
We’ve talked extensively with regulators and registered training organisations in all states and territories to ensure that training is safe, efficient and comprehensive.
We’ve received submissions and advice from many individuals and organisations. In some cases, there have been differing opinions about the best approach to take, but we have endeavoured—guided by our technical advisory groups—to hear all opinions, assess all options and achieve a fair evidence-based outcome to meet the needs of industry as a whole.
For more details on how we’ve done this for each project, click the project links above.