Industry recognition and portability of qualifications and competencies

The Need

While the firefighting agencies are aligned to the Public Safety Training Package units, for a number of reasons recognition of qualifications between fire services is not always accepted.  Often an experienced firefighter transferring interstate must return to recruit firefighter level to join an interstate agency.  There is a need to improve the portability of qualifications, particularly as the industry faces an ageing population with increasing difficulty in filling senior positions.

Benefits and Strategic Alignment

This piece of work was identified at the AFAC strategic planning workshop.  It is yet to be tested amongst other industry key stakeholders.  The lack of firefighters moving into senior positions has been identified by members as a future risk in workforce planning.  An increase in the recognition of qualifications between agencies may be one strategy to address this risk.

Proposal

Develop guidelines to allow the recognition of qualifications across all services, aligning qualifications to specific levels in each agency.  The project may result in an MOU or a more formal process for the recognition of qualifications.

Consultation

Some agencies currently have policies already developed on lateral entry.  There would be a requirement to consult with all agencies to develop the agreed standard.   There are industrial implications related to this project.

Governance

This project would be under the governance of the Workforce Management Group, but would need significant liaison with the Learning and Development Group.  

For more information on this project contact Judy Gouldbourn, AFAC Manager Workforce Management