ABMTE Dean Middleton is training to become an Auxilliary Systems Monitor onboard HMAS Newcastle.

Photo: ABPH Brenton Freind

One of the many functions Navy Personnel and Training performs is to assist the combination of training Navy personnel while simultaneously gaining national recognition of that training.

Sometimes personnel have expressed doubts as to whether the training they gain serving in the Navy will be useful elsewhere - and the answer is yes - the majority of the qualifications will be portable and recognised outside.

The Navy has undergone a significant change in the recognition and accreditation of its training.

Previously the unique Navy issued enterprise qualifications were not universally recognised but now the qualifications are prescribed by the Australian National Training Authority and consequently most Naval qualifications are accepted and are the same as those issued by civilian training providers.

However, some specific employment situations may also need the individual to take on an additional study component to fulfill the criteria at a particular workplace.

For instance, Electronics Technicians (ET) and Marine Technician Electricians (MTE) training falls slightly short of that required to obtain a licence as a domestic electrician because there is no Navy requirement to undertake the house wiring training component.

The RAN has identified this training gap and can advise members on additional training/study components required to pursue the electrical licence externally if they desire.

Additional study may consist of up to 200 hours depending on the state/ territory where you intend to practise.

This matching to civilian licences/ tickets is also being pursued in other areas such as the maritime industry so members have a clear understanding of the extra training, if any, required in order to pursue these career paths.

The Navy is working towards gaining recognition as a training provider by the civilian maritime authorities.

Training and qualifications accreditation often works both ways, Navy can recognise appropriate outside qualifications at recruitment and further training stages.

The MT’s and ET’s entering the engineering program at HMAS Cerberus, for instance, will be interviewed during their 11 weeks recruit training by the Engineering Faculty Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Cell.

Students are assessed for suitability to fast track through the engineering program.

First of all, Navy recognises a) his or her previous experience with fitting and machining from their trade experience but requires the student to do b) the mechanical fundamentals component and Naval specific trade training.

A modified plan of training is then drawn up for the prospective MTM which includes recognising the fitter and turner’s previous learning.

The average fitter and turner will have two and half months of their trade recognised while needing to do an additional five months of training with the Navy.

Navy is also pursuing formal credit transfer arrangements with universities so you can convert your qualifications into a university qualification.

Many universities accept students into master’s degree programs based only on attainment of vocational education and training qualifications which is what sailors receive as they progress through their career.

A list of qualifications available to RAN personnel is detailed in Annex A to the RAN’s policy on civil accreditation, ABR 27 Volume 1 Chapter 10, which can be accessed on the Defweb.

An internet site at www.defence.gov.au/dpe/civilquals has also been established for reference.

Desk Officer Marine Technician - (02) 6266 3731 Aviation/Electronic Technician - (02) 6266 3768 Officers - (02) 6266 4365 CIS/Medical/Dental/Band - (02) 6266 4535 Seaman Category Sailors - (02) 6266 4538 Supply Category Sailors - (02) 6266 2184 For more information on the RAN’s Civilian Accreditation Program, contact the Manager LCDR Dean Manning, Staff Officer Accreditation on (02) 6266 436 or email dean.manning@defence.gov.au.

 

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