FORKLIFT LICENSE

At our recent Board meeting the issue of forklift license costing was discussed and the fact that some Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s) were wanting to charge for re-assessment.  Turf Queensland investigated with the Department of Workplace Health & Safety (licensing) who advised that recognition of prior learing (RPL) was acceptable and was up to the individual RTO’s.  Please find below the response directed to Queensland from the Manager Agriculture Unit WH&S Greg Vincent.

Dear Jim

I have consulted with the Licensing and Advisory Services (LAS) team at Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) regarding your concerns about the process required for obtaining a forklift licence and can advise the following:

The forklift licence is a competency based training module.  RTO’s may recognise prior learning however it is at the discretion of each RTO as to how they apply RPL to an individual.  RTO’s are likely to have their own systems in place that will guide them in this decision making process.  As a result you will be required to liaise directly with each RTO to gain a better understanding as to their guidelines for accepting RPL.

Whilst industry frustration at the length and cost of this course is understandable, RPL falls outside the scope of WHSQ.  WHSQ are therefore unable to require RTO’s to recognise prior learning or experience. WHSQ are also unable to comment on the costs imposed by RTO’s. 

Please note that the mandatory assessment component of the course cannot be subject to RPL.  This assessment component must be undertaken by the applicant. 

For further information in relation the application of RPL please contact ASQA direct.

Greg Vincent
Manager
Agriculture Unit
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
Department of Justice and Attorney-General
PO Box 234 Toowoomba 4350
T: 07 4687 2839
M: 0419 354 688
F: 07 4687 2877
E: Greg.Vincent@justice.qld.gov.au
The most important reason for making your workplace safe, is not at work at all. Work safe. Home safe.
For more information visit www.worksafe.qld.gov.au or telephone 1300 369 915.