Skills recognition in the Australian rail industry: opportunities and challenges
Date
2012
Authors
Morrison, A.
Davies, L.
Cameron, R.
Maher, K.
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Conference paper
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AVETRA 2012 15th annual conference : the value and voice of VET research for individuals, industry, community and the nation, 2012, pp.1-10
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AVETRA 2012 15th annual conference (12 Apr 2012 - 13 Apr 2012 : Canberra, Australia)
Abstract
Skills Recognition (SR) processes, including Recognition of Prior Learning and Recognition of Current Competencies, are not currently used to their full potential in the Australian rail industry. This is not necessarily due to a lack of will-many rail organisations see merit in recognising the prior skills, knowledge and experience of their employees and recruits. There are, however, perceived and actual challenges to SR in rail. In this paper, we report on some findings from a qualitative research project funded by the Co-operative Research Centre for Rail Innovation. Researchers from the University of South Australia and Central Queensland University are developing strategies to assist the Australian rail industry to adopt a more unified and effective approach to SR.
This paper draws on national and international VET literature, industry documentation and research interview data. 59 semi-structured interviews were held with human resource managers, learning and development managers, employees, trainers and assessors from rail organisations and RTOs across Australia. The research highlights certain challenges for SR in the context of rail. Being a safety critical industry, there are risks associated with the recognition of skills. Across Australia, each state and territory has its own rail regulators, operating systems and codes of practice. Equity is also an issue within the culturally diverse rail workforce. These factors must all be taken into account when developing leading practice SR guidelines which meet industry needs. Our research has identified practical strategies for maximising the potential of skills recognition in the industry. We highlight the positive role skills recognition can play across certain Human Resource Management functions at a time when the rail industry is facing documented workforce shortfalls.
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Copyright 2012 AVETRA