RPL and Skills Assessment Pathway
RPL Information Pack
Engineering Training Australia – RTO No: 31820
RPL Information Pack
Recognition of Prior Learning Introduction
To have skills formally recognised in the national system, assessors must make sure you have the
skills and knowledge to meet the industry standard. This means you must be involved in a careful
and comprehensive process that covers the content of all unit/s or qualification/s you can be
recognised for.
Assessment happens in a variety of ways. Being prepared can save you valuable time and hassle and
make the recognition process stress-free for you.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the opportunity to gain recognition of skills and knowledge
that have been acquired through prior study, work experiences and general life experiences. It is
achieved through the assessment of evidence provided against elements, performance criteria,
underpinning skills and knowledge and the employability skills of the relevant units of competency.
RPL can be gained for a unit of competency, partial qualification, or total qualification.
In applying for RPL you are making a claim that you are competent in a unit of competency so you
must be able to provide evidence to support your claim.
Credit transfer
Credit Transfer (CT) Credit Transfer is the recognition and acceptance of units of competence with
the same unit code under the Australian Qualification Framework. This can only be evidenced by an
authorised Statement of Attainment issued by another Registered Training Organisation.
The purpose of Credit Transfer is to make it easier for students to move between courses and
institutions. To apply for Credit Transfer for units of competency only, please speak to your
Educator to access the Credit Transfer application form.
Rules of evidence
An RPL assessment requires a standard of evidence to be assessed as competent and for you to
receive formal recognition.
The following rules apply to all submissions:
• Authentic (your own work)
• Valid (assessed to meet the unit of competency)
• Reliable (show that you meet the competency on numerous occasions over time - Third
Party Report)
• Current (your submission is verified and validated by your supervisor in relation to currency
in the industry)
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RPL Information Pack
Overview of the RPL and Skills Assessment Pathway
Applicant (You) Gimbal Training
An email will be sent with a
log in to our Learner Gimbal review information
Management System for provided and provide details for
you to complete your pre- enrolment
enrolment. and submit your
pre-enrolment
documentation
Proceed to
Yes
enrolment
YES
- Answers your questions
Complete on line pre-
- Assesses your portfolio
enrolment and payment of
fees - Makes contact with
you
- Conducts technical
interview
Complete on-line evidence - Site visit (if required)
gathering tasks and - Requests evidence as
participate in technical required
interview with Assessor
- Provides support
- Signs off
Options for addressing gaps - Provides Feedback
identified are discussed and
negotiated where necessary
Qualification or
Statement of
Attainment issued
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RPL Information Pack
Steps in the RPL Process
Step 1 – Provide information of your skills and experience (Pre-enrolment)
Log in to Learner Management System and complete pre-enrolment tasks and provide as much
information of your previous experience in industry as you can, this is your first opportunity (and not
the last) to provide proof of prior experience.
Supporting Evidence Tasks:
The supporting evidence tasks are designed to help you gather supporting evidence that proves
employment, time in trade and skill.
The appropriateness and trustworthiness of the supporting evidence provided must be:
• Current - not more than five years
• Authentic - it is the client’s and/or part of a team contribution
Training Evidence
• International qualification
• Statement of attainment
• Apprenticeship documents
• Non-accredited training certificates
• Induction Cards
• Licences
Employment Evidence – Two (2) pieces of evidence from list below
• contract of employment
• letter from employer
• position description
• pay slips
• resume/CV
Depending on the industry you have worked in, you may or may not have documentary evidence
available. This should not deter you from seeking RPL as the Assessor will work with you during the
RPL process.
Referee Testimonial
You will also need to supply contact details of at least two work referees who can confirm your skills
in the industry. Your referees will be required to sign a referee testimonial form as part of the pre-
enrolment process.
Pre-Enrolment Interview
This interview is to assist with determining if RPL is the correct pathway for you. It will consist of:
• Questions regarding industry experience, qualifications, current employment status and
work experience.
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RPL Information Pack
• Interview questions on some fundamentals.
• Review and agreement on a RPL plan.
• Guidance on evidence requirements and completing the workplace project portfolio.
Step 2 – Enrolment
You will be advised of your suitability for an RPL Assessment in addition to being provided enrolment
options, eligibility criteria and relevant fees:
• Fee for Service
• Applicable State and/or National Funding Pathway
On enrolment, you will receive an invoice for applicable fees and when payment is received, your
enrolment will be formalized and a technical interview will be scheduled with your Trainer and
Assessor.
Step 3 – Technical Knowledge
The knowledge quiz is the first stage of the assessment process, the quiz is completed using our
online portal and is predominantly short answer questions address the required knowledge of the
below core units:
• MEM09002 Interpret technical drawing
• MEM11011 Undertake manual handling
• MEM12023 Perform engineering measurements
• MEM12024 Perform computations
• MEM13015 Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering
• MEM14006 Plan work activities
• MEM16006 Organise and communicate information
• MEM16008 Interact with computing technology
• MEM17003 Assist in the provision of on-the-job training
• MEM18001 Use hand tools
• MEM18002 Use power tools/hand held operations
• MSMENV272 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
Following the quiz you will complete a technical interview with your assessor, this conversation will
be a recorded session and at this point, you will have the opportunity to discuss and identify your
previous experience in addition the Assessor will confirm knowledge and skill by discussing a series
of questions for each unit of competency.
Step 4 – Practical demonstration of your skills
You will be required to provide additional evidence demonstrating practical skills. This, again, is an
opportunity to demonstrate your level of competence. This assessment will be focused on
demonstrating skills that are required for each unit of competency.
Workplace project portfolios: This method is designed to help you collect verifiable documentary
and video evidence in the workplace, proving your ability to conduct the specific tasks and skills
required for recognition of competency in the particular area.
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RPL Information Pack
Further steps
After the assessment, your assessor will give you information about the skills that have been
recognised and whether you have gained the full qualification.
Tips and hints
Be prepared to talk about your job roles and your work history. Have a resume or jot down a few
points about where you have worked, either paid or unpaid, and what you did there.
Provide your position description and any performance appraisals you have that demonstrate
application of skills and job role held in the workplace.
Think about who can confirm your skill level. Think about current or recent supervisors who have
seen you work within the past 2 years and who will be able to confirm your skills. You may want to
collect evidence from them to provide to your assessor. You may also have community contacts or
even clients themselves who can also similarly vouch for your skill level.
Collect work samples that show the quality of your work as a trainer and assessor and send them to
Gimbal Training. Normally, variety is more valuable than supplying multiples of the same type of
work samples.
Provide any certificates or statements from in-house training or formal training you have done in the
past.
Frequently asked questions
What is Skills Assessment? (RPL)
Many people with trade skills and experience do not have formal qualifications. Skills
Assessment or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process allowing you to gain a Nationally
Recognised Qualification or Statement of Attainment, by recognising your existing skills and
knowledge obtained through your work, education, training and everyday life experiences.
Why apply for Skills Assessment?
While it is not always necessary to have a trade qualification to work, more and more
companies will only engage people who have a trade certificate or are trade qualified. In some
States and Territories, licensing or registration is mandatory for some occupations. A trade
qualification shows that you have the skills to do the job.
Do I need to be employed?
A key component of the RPL assessment process is the ability to provide evidence of
workplace application. Applicants that are not currently employed in industry may still
apply however will need to have access to a workplace in order to collect evidence should
gaps be identified.
Does everyone succeed in their RPL application?
No. Evidence presented must be sufficient to demonstrate knowledge and skills for each
unit of competency. Gimbal Training will use assessment methods to ensure that evidence
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RPL Information Pack
is valid, authentic, current and sufficient. In reviewing the evidence provided and technical
interview outcome your Gimbal Training Assessor will need to make a judgement of
competence in order to award competence for all units of competence that make up your
Qualification.
If you receive partial RPL you will receive a Statement of Attainment for the units of
competency that have been deemed competent. You will be provided the opportunity to
undertake Training and Assessment should gaps be identified in order to progress to the full
Qualification.
If I submit everything in the evidence suggestions lists will I automatically receive RPL?
No. Your assessor needs to make judgement decisions about how the quantity and quality
of how your submitted evidence matches up against the assessment requirements of each
Unit of Competency. Additionally, your assessor must check that all of the Elements and
Performance Criteria are satisfied before they can award competency for any individual Unit
of Competency. Your evidence needs to satisfy all four Rules of Evidence: currency,
sufficiency, authenticity and validity.
How long do I have to do it?
The process takes between 3- 8 weeks. This depends on how long it takes you to collect and
gather the required evidence for your assessor. You will have up to three (3) months from
the date of enrolment to complete your RPL assessment process. If additional time is
required an extension of three (3) months can be applied however a written application
must be submitted and approved.
Should a formal extension not be approved fees will not be refundable and your enrolment
will be cancelled.
How much does it cost?
A detailed fee schedule is located on the Gimbal Training website. We understand that each
student will have individual circumstances with prior qualifications and training and
assessment needs therefore once you have submitted your pre-enrolment information you
will be given a set price prior to formalising your enrolment.
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RPL Information Pack
Fees and charges
RPL Fee for Service (FFS)
Course Skills Assessment
Course Name
Code Fees
Certificate III in Engineering Mechanical Trade, Mechanical Trade
MEM30219 (Fitting) & Mechanical Trade (Fitting/machining) $2950
Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication Trade, Fabrication Trade
MEM30319 (Boilermaking), Fabrication Trade (Welding), Fabrication Trade $2950
(Boilermaking/welding) & Fabrication Trade (Sheetmetal working)
MEM31419 Certificate III in Engineering - Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic $2950
MEM40119 Certificate IV in Engineering $5200
Certificate IV in Engineering
MEM40119 $2250
(MEM30205, MEM30305, MEM30219, MEM30319 holder)
FFS Additional fees and charges
Gap Training
Training and Assessment of individual units of competency (If $400 per unit
Applicable)
Site visit
Site visit – if required to assist you gather your evidence or practical $500
observation is deemed to be required.
RPL Government Funded - Subject to eligibility and availability
Government Program Fees
Trade Skills Assessment and Gap Training Program (TSAGT) Qld
The participant pays a co-contribution amount per nominal hour for
each unit of competency that is gap trained – NO fee is payable for $1.60 per nominal
Credit Transfers or RPL outcomes hour of training
Total fees will vary according to units selected in the training plan
and are payable on commencement of units.
As per Gimbal Training Fees & Refund Policy more than $1500 in pre-paid fees will not be collected at any time
for any course service
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