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Gathering evidence
Once you have chosen your qualification and your Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you need to begin gathering your evidence. Your assessor at the RTO will be able to help you decide on the best evidence, but you need to be proactive in putting it together. This can take some time – it is not as simple as just putting a resume together, although a resume may be part of your evidence. The idea of evidence is to show a qualified assessor you already have the skills and knowledge to meet Australian industry standards. Evidence can take many forms including things like:
- samples, photographs or videos of your work
- a practical on the job assessment
- answers to questions in an interview with your assessor
- a simulation of a work activity
- letters of validation from your employers
- performance management reports
- copies of documents you have completed at work
- certificates
- any other evidence that is valid, sufficient, authentic and current
Types of evidence
You need to work out the types of evidence that best demonstrate your skills and knowledge. For example, if you were studying for a Certificate IV in Training & Assessment, and you had done previous training work, you would have a good case to apply for skills recognition to reduce your study time. Evidence you provide could include:
- samples of training plans you had developed
- telephone verification from employers
- a video of your work as a trainer.
If you didn’t have a video, you could simulate a training session for your assessor or arrange for them to watch you conducting a training session at work.
If you work on a building site, you would probably need your assessor to watch you at work as well as getting a report from your supervisor. The assessor might also ask you questions about your work.
Dos and Don’ts
Here are some writing tips to help with your recognition application:
| Dos | Don'ts |
|---|---|
Do show reasons why you believe you are competent. e.g. I have been working on a building site for two years. I believe I am competent because I finish my tasks on time, I have a strong record on working safely and I follow plans precisely. Evidence of this is contained in my supervisor’s report, which is Item 1 in my portfolio. |
Don’t assume you’re competent simply because you have been doing the job for a long time. e.g. I have been working on a building site for two years. My tasks include following plans, preparing and handling materials, using tools and equipment and carrying out basic demolition. |
Do use examples to show you are competent. e.g. Before I begin a training session I always make sure computer wires are taped to the floor. When training begins, I let people know where the fire exits are and advise people to drink water during the day. |
Don’t just say you are competent without giving examples. e.g. I am very aware of OH&S issues and try to keep the workplace safe at all times. |
Do get external support for your examples. Wherever possible, back up your claims by reports from witnesses or supervisors, or maybe even prizes, awards, qualifications or newspaper items. |
Don’t rely on your own word only to prove your competence. It is the weakest form of evidence. |
Do explain the results or outcomes of your competent performance. e.g. Thanks to my re-organisation of the kitchen, chefs can get on with cooking and waiters with serving, without confusion. As a result we have reduced waiting time for meals by 10 per cent in the last three weeks. Evidence of this is in my employer’s reference, which is Item 2 in my portfolio, and also in a testimonial from a regular customer, which is Item 3 in my portfolio. I also include photos showing the kitchen set-up before and after I arranged it. |
Don’t just say what you did, without explaining the results you got. e.g. Thanks to my re-organisation of the kitchen, chefs can get on with cooking and waiters with serving, without confusion. This has reduced tension in the kitchen. |
