Background
In 2006 the Energy Networks Association (ENA) published the Network Passport Guideline. This document was created to pave the way for the development of a Skills Passport in Australia. The objectives of that Guideline included encouraging nationally consistent practices in training standards for competencies and authorisations.
These objectives led industry associations in 2008 to commence the development of an Australian ESI Skills Passport and common refresher training.
Latest update
The framework of this project is now almost complete and has resulted in the development of:
- A new National Passport which is anticipated to be launched in September 2010
- Passport content with nationally agreed functional roles
- A National Database which generates a unique Passport number
- This National Website
- Rules for administration
- Local information forums supported with educational material
- Privacy and appeals processes: data will only be enabled between the employee, employer and the network operator. Any demographic reporting will be non-identifying.
Standardised Refresher Training
One of the primary principles of the ESI Passport is workforce portability. In 2009 EE-Oz, ENA and the CEPU undertook to develop standardised refresher training to ensure mutual recognition across network operators. All industry stakeholders signed an MOU which recognised that this will expedite network access during mutual aid requests. This has resulted in a new skill set within the Transmission, Distribution and Rail package. Detailed information regarding the new competency standards can be found here.
Important Passport Information
Employers
You will be asked by a Network Operator to provide data in a prescribed format (Excel spreadsheet) for all your employees and sub-contractors.
You should inform your employees, contractors and subcontractors of the Passport requirements.
Ensure that the refresher training your employees receive meets the minimum requirements of the new Competency Standard Units (CSU's).
Engage or partner with an RTO to undertake training and/or an RPL / RCC exercise to issue the new Statements of Attainment.
Training providers
Review your training delivery and ensure your program and materials are aligned to the new CSU's and Learning and Assessment Plans (LAP's).
Apply to expand your registration of scope to include the new CSU's.