Posted By Denis Hands We (CITB) have been asked to comment on the acceptability in the UK of a Skills Registration Card for plant operators, issued by the Civil Contractors Federation in Australia. Can anyone provide me with information on the Federation or their card scheme.

Posted By Garry Nabbe The Australian system for certificates of competency for operation of plant varied between the states, with a focus on plant that lifts and transports loads. Some states did however add to this a need to hold a certificate for plant like graders, bulldozers and other road making equipment. In 1996 the state of NSW adopted a new approach which took in a national system called "National Certification Standard for Users and Operators of Industrial Equipment" I believe that all states are now in the national system although there are still some state specific requirements. The skills registration card would only be used for recognition of prior learning in the Australian System and the applicant would still have to demonstrate current competence in the particular area of expertise being sought. Some industries such as Mines and Quarries are not covered by the same legislation but their qualifications were not valid outside of that jurisdiction, and again that was only accepted as recognition of prior learning. You can have a look at some of the information available on http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/ or http://www.nohsc.gov.au/...ns/fulltext/toc/H3-4.htm