Profiling FAQ
What is profiling?
Profiling is an innovative approach to gathering information about the on-the-job work experiences of apprentice electricians. It is used by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), championed by employers, to gain evidence of an apprentice’s competence for the award of a national electrical qualification.
Specific workplace information is systematically gathered and collated into informative reports for the abovementioned parties. This is one component of a three-part Training Program to develop competence of apprentice electricians. These components are:
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on-the-job training
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off-the-job training
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a final “capstone” assessment (known as LEM/LEA in Victoria)
Typically, the off-the-job component requires the successful completion of technical modules by attending training at an RTO.
The on-the-job component requires the development of a profile of workplace experience/exposure for each apprentice.
A final assessment is conducted to meet licensing requirements.
How is the profile created?
The on-the-job profile is created by capturing and reporting on an apprentice’s work experience against industry determined competency standards. The information covers quality, breadth and range as well as supervision of the apprentice’s workplace experiences.
The apprentice completes and submits a data card via the web each week to provide the required information. Reports on the apprentice’s work experience (a profile) are then generated periodically.
What does profiling do?
Profiling provides evidence for:
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monitoring the development and performance of competency required in producing quality work
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the assessment and attainment of a national qualification
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the attainment of an electrical workers licence
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the need (or otherwise) for job rotation
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allocating work
Why do we need Profiling?
RTOs need evidence from the workplace/work site to help them monitor and assess an apprentice’s competency development. They need a good quality, efficient and cost effective way of gathering this information. A specially designed web based electronic data capture system or Profiling system has been developed to manage the process.
What are the benefits of Profiling?
Profiling as one part of the training program helps to ensure that:
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Competent people that are critical to a company’s competitiveness and long-term survival are appropriately qualified.
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Qualifications awarded by RTOs across Australia are of a consistent and high standard.
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RTOs are provided with the critical workplace information needed to make good decisions.
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Employers are provided with good information about an apprentice’s overall performance and competency development.
Are there other advantages?
Profiling also has other advantages including:
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It is the singular industry approved national system of gathering evidence that is non-intrusive to the workplace.
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It can improve bottom line profitability and productivity.
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It helps improve safety outcomes.
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It fosters the supply of good formal evidence for reporting against business quality assurance measures and other formal benchmarks or regulatory requirements.
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It is an alternative to poorer evidence gathering tools like the paper-based logbooks or clipboard checklists.
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It can ease recruitment and allocation of work both locally and nationally.
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It enables appropriate work to be allocated to apprentices with confidence.
What part does Profiling play in Assessment?
Assessment for a national qualification is now the responsibility of RTOs, in partnership with the employer and apprentice.
The Profiling system:
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is not a stand-alone assessment tool in itself but part of the overall assessment process.
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is a powerful tool that aids in the assessment process.
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is a passive, almost non-intrusive system.
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is relatively low on cost and time.
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does not require direct visits to the workplace by assessors.
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avoids the most intrusive aspects of other competency assessment approaches by relying on a partnership between the apprentice and the employer/supervisor to report on everyday workplace activities.
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collects regular evidence of an apprentice’s ability to: plan to carry out a range of jobs, carry out the jobs and complete the jobs to the performance standards set by industry (national competency standards).
Do all apprentice electricians have to use Profiling?
With the support of all key industry stakeholder bodies, Profiling is the industry preferred and recommended method for the collection of the on-the-job evidence for assessments for apprentice electricians. It is intended that profiling will be adopted across the full range of the Electrotechnology Industry apprenticeship training programs including electrical, refrigeration, lifts, instrumentation, and electronics, because it facilitates:
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a singular process for gathering workplace evidence
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formal workplace information and evidence
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limited intervention in the workplace of assessors
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improvements in safety and safe work practices
Can apprentices use RPL under Profiling?
Yes. An existing apprentice can seek Recognised Prior Learning (RPL). This can only occur in liaison with an RTO.
For more information regarding Profiling go to: www.eeoz.com.au or www.eprofiling.com.au
