The COVID pandemic is significantly impacting the ability of providers to deliver face-to-face training. In recognition of this, the Commonwealth, state and territory WHS regulators have worked with Safe Work Australia. And, they have developed national parameters to enable providers to deliver white card training via “connected real-time delivery”.
As a result, you can still get general construction induction (white card) training during the NSW lockdown restrictions via connected real-time delivery. And, enrolments are open now until 30 September 2021.
Gladys Berejiklian touring the Campbelltown Hospital Redevelopment. Picture: POOL
What is a White Card?
A white card (or general construction induction card) is a mandatory requirement for workers who want to carry out construction work.
The white card provides people entering the construction industry with a basic knowledge of requirements under Workplace Health Safety laws. Also, it provides knowledge on the common hazards and risks you might encounter on construction sites. And, how these risks should be controlled.
How to get white card training during NSW lockdown restrictions
Now, participating training providers are offering white card training during the NSW lockdown restrictions. And, the training happens via connected real-time delivery. So, this provides learners with the opportunity to complete white card training remotely using live video streaming platforms.
And, you can train via a number of Smart and Skilled Registered Training Organisations (RTO).
Find the list of SafeWork NSW approved providers here.
White card training for high school students
At the moment, NSW school students can get fee-free white card training under the NSW JobTrainer – Construction initiative.
Students must be 16 years of age or above at the time of enrolment. And, they must meet the following eligibility criteria:
– reside or work in NSW,
– be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen.
Who else is eligible?
You may also be eligible to enrol in fee-free white card training through NSW JobTrainer if you are:
– aged from 16 – 24 inclusive, or
– in receipt of a Commonwealth Government benefit, or
– an unemployed person, or
– expecting to become unemployed
And, are an Australian Citizen, a permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen. Or, a humanitarian visa holder that lives or works in NSW.
What are the benefits of completing the training?
All students who complete the white card training get a Statement of Attainment in CPCCWHS1001 – Prepare to work safely in the construction industry.
Students will:
– learn how to identify and reduce possible safety hazards on construction sites
– also, learn how to establish safety procedures and see that they are followed
– know the local laws and regulations on a construction site
– kick start their career in the construction industry with free entry level training
– undertake work experience in an operational construction zone.
Upon completion of the training, students will need to complete an application form for a white card. The training provider will submit these forms to SafeWork NSW on behalf of students.
How long does the course go for?
The minimum duration is six hours.
How is the training delivered?
This is a face-to-face training or online real time delivery (includes interactive real time via on-line delivery method). These are the requirements to comply with SafeWork NSW.
What is “connected real-time delivery”?
– Live video streaming/conferencing using platforms such as Zoom, Skype, Teams.
– Real-time interaction between the learner and the trainer.
– Active participation of learners and trainers.
– Verification of learner Evidence of Identity (EOI) can be established one-on-one (or face to face) via video conference.
– Direct observation or verbal assessment for all assessment components.
Are there limitations on the delivery of connected real-time white card training?
Training must involve real-time interactions between the learner and the trainer. And, it must include one-on-one (or face-to-face) training and assessment interaction.
The training must not:
– be delivered entirely via an online learning management system through portals
– include a pre-training requirement, self-paced learning, and pre-recorded trainer videos or teaching course content (FYI: this does not include educational videos showing construction sites).
How much does the training cost?
The training is free and funded under the NSW JobTrainer – Construction Initiative. And, the training provider’s fee includes the cost of the white card application. There should be no additional cost to the student.
When can I enrol in training?
Enrolments are open now until 30 September 2021.
How to access training?
The following providers are:
– SafeWork approved for connected real-time delivery
– Smart & Skilled approved.
Also, to find training near you, contact your local SafeWork NSW approved Smart and Skilled Registered Training Organisation and search for General Construction Induction Training in your area.
To find out more information please contact:
1) your local Training Services NSW Skills Broker or Regional Industry Education Partnership officer on 13 28 11
2) the Skilling for Recovery – Construction team at SfR-Construction@det.nsw.edu.au
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Free PPE packs to eligible NSW JobTrainer
In addition, the government currently subsidies the cost of PPE for unemployed students. Indeed, other students may experience financial hardship purchasing PPE. Or, purchase sub-standard equipment. And, they may be unable to participate in training at all due to the prohibitive cost of PPE.
So, the NSW Department of Education (DoE) is seeking to remove this barrier. They provide free PPE packs to eligible NSW JobTrainer – Construction students. And, to assist with a ‘job-ready’ transition to employment. Read more.
