24/06/2021
Time to read
1 Minute

With your support and guidance you can assist your team members with the qualification they deserve. As the building and construction industry is booming, having the right qualification improves job outcomes and workmanship. The Master Builders NSW Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program is an industry-leading option to gain a qualification, while working on-site.  

The RPL process
Skills, knowledge, and industry experience are required to apply for our RPL program. A nationally recognised qualification can be achieved quicker than you think. Most people can complete the program in just three months.  And Master Builders make the process easy.  Think of it like this, qualifications need assessments.  Building and trade qualifications need industry expert assessors.  With our RPL program, prove your skills and knowledge to an industry expert assessor.  Through our RPL program, your role can help support your team members with the RPL process on the job.  

The Master Builders way
We deliver outcomes for quality tradespeople in the industry. We have the necessary checks and balances in place. We ensure that participants in our RPL program are processed correctly. We go above the industry standard. We help to identify gaps in knowledge and skill base. Then we help form a plan to fill the knowledge gap with appropriate training.  

Our RPL program is so good that participation in Certificate III in Carpentry has grown by 17% in 2020-2021. Their average age is 37 years old and could be located anywhere in NSW. Most Carpentry RPL participants complete their qualification to fast track them towards their Certificate IV in Building and Construction qualification. This is the typical qualification pathway towards a Building Licence.  

Our customer service team are on hand to help throughout the RPL process. We check in with the participant to keep them on track. We make it quick. We make it efficient. We make it flexible. 

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Apply!

The applicant must answer a series of technical industry questions proving their current knowledge and skills. We contact employers and supervisors to verify proof of experience. We also check that the applicant can meet the entry requirements. Your assistance can greatly contribute to a successful application that can start the qualification pathway. 

2. The program

Receive a Master Builders RPL kit. This kit outlines a step-by-step process to assess what is required to achieve the qualification. All submitted work is assessed by industry experts and processed by the Quality assurance team.  
There are three types of assessments.  

  • Knowledge questions
  • Practical tasks
  • Portfolio of documents

The type of evidence required depends on the qualification. Examples include video and photos completing tasks on-site, certificates, and project management documentation. Watch this video to find out more about the evidence gathering process.  

3. Final steps

When the RPL kit is submitted, Master Builders assess the work. We may also complete an on-site assessment (following COVID Safe protocols). Our industry expert assessors identify any gaps in knowledge. We then develop a personalised plan to help the participant fill any skills gaps. 

We know that not every job demands that you have experience in all the units of competency required for a qualification. The most common skills gap in Certificate III in Carpentry is the Pitching a Roof competency. We understand pitching a roof these days on residential buildings is quite different. Advancements in timber manufacturing and clever planning have changed the game - often timber trusses are prefabricated and ready to install. The qualification still requires the participant to pitch a roof, even if it doesn’t happen regularly on-site. We can help people develop this skill in class.

No need to wait, start a qualification towards an industry licence today!

Available RPL Qualifications:
CPC50210 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
CPC40110 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)
CPC30211 Certificate III in Carpentry
CPC30111 Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying
MSF31113 Certificate III in Cabinet Making
CPC30611 Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
CPC30318 Certificate III in Concreting
Kitchen, Bathroom and Laundry Renovation

For more information including the full list of available programs, please visit:  
mbansw.asn.au/rpl