FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is industry implementing the Passport?

The Passport provides evidence of a person’s currency of refresher training and authorisations and encourages standardisation of training in the ESI.

When will the Passport be implemented?

The Passport was launched in September 2010.

Who will require a Passport?

Passports will be issued to ESI workers who:

Hold a written authority issued by a network operator to acces the network or are required by a network operator to undertake tasks requiring training specified in the Australian ESI Skills Passport. This includes Network Operators, Contractors and Subcontract employees. 

NOTE: It is not a mandatory requirement to issue Passports to one off short term workers performing work either under the supervision of Authorised workers, or on greenfield sites.

 
Will I be able to access a network without a Passport?

The network operators have started issuing passports and in 2011 are implementing governance processes that phase in the need to have passports. By January 2012, all operators will require all persons accessing their assets to hold passports.

Why do you need my information in a database?

There are over 40,000 people working in the supply industry in Australia. Administration of such a large volume of Passports requires a single point of data. The database records your name, gender, D.O.B. employer and functional role i.e. cable jointer.

How do I know the privacy of the information will be maintained?

Administration of the database will be in accordance with privacy legislation and will be overseen by the National Steering committee which will be made up of all industry stakeholders, including unions and regulators.

Will a Passport give me automatic access to any network in Australia?

No. Normal induction processes and any training required by the host network operator will always apply. However the majority of content in the Passport will be recognised which will shorten these requirements