Recognition of Prior Learning

Qualified, Other Ranks (Technical) (Reserve)

The RPL process will occur in two stages:

• The first stage will consist of an assessment of RPL against the Royal Australian Navy recognised trade qualifications during the recruitment phase, to determine if Qualified Entry Sailor - Technical (QES-T) status can be awarded.
• The second phase of assessment of RPL will be conducted during recruit training, and is to determine the level of advance standing to be granted. This will determine which pathway the trainee will undertake to obtain additional competencies, underpinning knowledge and skills to meet the Navy’s requirements.

RPL may involve a desktop audit and/or a personal interview convened for the RPL applicant with a trained RPL assessor and a subject matter expert. Trade and other certificates, course result sheets and evidence of  On Job Training ( OJT ) and life experience are presented at the interview for verification. The RPL assessor and the subject matter expert will interview the applicant in order to determine whether the applicant has sufficient knowledge and experience to be granted recognition of the subject module of training or competency outcome. The RPL interview may involve a test, including theory and/or practical work as required.

RPL may be granted to technical trainees at all levels provided the required competency level can be demonstrated. The aim of RPL is to reduce the amount of training the Navy is required to provide, and minimise the amount of time a sailor spends under training. It is not possible to guarantee the granting of RPL for any particular qualification, competency or experience before a full RPL assessment takes place. Applicants should be aware that even though they may possess trade qualifications other than those listed, the qualification may not satisfy Navy’s requirements and prevent them achieving QES-T status.

MT sailors achieving QES-T status will be afforded the rank of Recruit on entry, with promotion to Provisional Able Seaman on successful completion of Recruit training, providing approval for the transfer to QES-T has been granted.

List of Trades recognised by Navy for RPL is as follows: 

Marine Technician  

Automotive Heavy Vehicle—Agricultural Mechanic—Certificate III (AQF

Automotive Mechanical (Heavy Vehicle Mobile Equip)—Certificate III (AQF)

Automotive Mechanical (Heavy Vehicle Road Transport)—Certificate III (AQF)

Certificate in Automotive Engine Reconditioning—Trade

Certificate in Automotive Light Vehicle

Certificate in Automotive Mechanics—Trade

Certificate in Heavy Vehicle Mechanic—Road Transport

Certificate of Proficiency Automotive (Marine Technical)

Certificate III in Automotive (Mechanical—Diesel Fitter)

Certificate III in Mechanical Engineering

Certificate III in Marine Mechanics Trade

Electrotechnology Refrigeration and Air Conditioning—Certificate III (AQF)

Electrotechnology Refrigeration and Air Conditioning—Certificate IV (AQF)

Engineering—Advanced Diploma (AQF)

Engineering—Diploma (AQF)

Engineering—Fabrication Trade—Certificate III (AQF)

Engineering—Fabrication Trade (Patternmaking)—Certificate III (AQF)

Engineering—Higher Engineering Trade—Certificate IV (AQF) (MEM40198)

Engineering—Mechanical Trade—Certificate III (AQF) (MEM30298)

Engineering—Mechanical Trade (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning)—Certificate III (AQF)

Engineering—Mechanical Trade (Toolmaking)—Certificate III (AQF)

Engineering—Production Systems—Certificate III (AQF)

Engineering—Fabrication Trade (Casting and Moulding)—Certificate III (AQF)

Engineering—Mechanical Trade (TCF Mechanic)—Certificate III (AQF)

Engineering—Technician—Certificate III (AQF) (MEM30598)

Engineering Tradesperson (Mechanical) (8264)

Fitting and Turner (Fitting and Machining Trade) (5210)

Marine Engineering—Advanced Diploma (AQF)

Marine Engineering—Diploma (AQF)

Marine Engineering Watchkeeping—Diploma (AQF)

Motor Mechanics (Diesel)

Transport and Distribution (Marine Engine Driving)—Certificate III (AQF)

Transport and Distribution (Marine Engine Driving)—Certificate IV (AQF)

Associate Diploma of Technology (Electrical Technology)

Certificate III in Engineering (Electrical)

Electrical—Fitter—Certificate III (AQF)

Electrical—Instrumentation—Certificate III (AQF)

Electrical—Mechanic—Fitter/Mechanic—Certificate III (AQF)

Electrical Engineering—Power—Diploma (AQF)

Electrotechnology Assembly and Servicing—Certificate III (AQF)

Electrotechnology Systems Electrician—Certificate III (AQF)

Electrotechnology Systems Electrician—Certificate IV (AQF)

Engineering—Advanced Diploma (AQF)

Engineering—Diploma (AQF)

Engineering—Higher Engineering Trade—Certificate IV (AQF) (MEM40198)

Engineering—Electrical/Electronic Trade—Certificate III (AQF) (MEM30498)

Engineering—Technician—Certificate III (AQF) (MEM30598)

Electrical Fitter Mechanic (Electrical Trades) (1093)

Engineering Trade (Electrical/Electronic)