NSW Maintenance of Competence Scheme – courses, workshops and training plans

Area of Competence

There are five areas of competence that you must complete a specified number of hours of learning in each category.

It is compulsory that you:

1. Complete topics relevant to the statutory functions you are practising in e.g. electrical engineering
2. Complete learning in all four subjects for the ‘Mining and WHS Systems’ area of competence during the five year period.
3. Complete a minimum of 8 hours of learning (one day course) on the mining disasters topic for the ‘General WHS’ area of competence during the five year period.

Learning Types

• Formal learning: organised and structured learning with specific learning objectives. For example, seminars, training courses and studying for WHS mining related courses.
• Non-formal learning: semi organised and structured learning of a more adhoc basis, usually without specific learning objectives. For example, reading, field trips and emergency exercises.
• Informal learning: learning as a by-product of experience in participating or carrying out an activity. For example, participating in high level risk assessments (not everyday types), and participating in reviewing principal hazard management plans.

When you undertake your learning hours you cannot:

• Complete more than one third of total learning hours in any one year
• Have a break from learning for three or more years out of the five year renewal period
• Carry-over excess learning hours above the total number required between renewal periods.

Forsythes Training Formal Learning per Area of Competence

There are five areas of competence that you must complete a specified number of hours of learning in each category.