Project status
Phases 1 & 2 are complete. Phase 3 is underway.
Phase 1 conducted an in-depth study on Vocational Degrees and higher apprenticeships and identify a use case supported by industry.
Building on the insights from phase 1, phase 2 refined the qualification discipline and structure of the proposed qualification to address current and emerging industry needs. The focus was on validating the draft qualification concept with key stakeholders, aligning it with the appropriate AQF level, and assessing workforce and industrial relations implications.
The project tested feasibility across industry, education, and regulatory lenses to ensure the qualification reflects relevant job roles, is deliverable across provider types, and meets national skills priorities.
Key phases of the work
Phase 1 includes:
Feasibility of AQF 7 to address workforce challenges.
The phase 1 report has been submitted and approved by The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
Request a full copy of the phase 1 report by emailing projects@ausmasa.org.au
Start: December 2024
End: June 2025
Phase 2 includes:
This phase focused on the roles of reliability engineers and testing engineers, which have been identified as critical to the mining sector and are increasingly important across many aligned industries.
These roles are central to the industry of the future, ensuring safety, efficiency, and performance as operations become more automated, data-driven, and technologically integrated and advanced.
Start: August 2025
End: January 2026
Phase 3 includes:
Development and piloting and implementation.
Development of Units of Competency
Creating, drafting, and validating the units of competency that will form the foundation of the new qualification.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Design
Establishing the structure, standards, and delivery requirements for work‑based learning components, ensuring alignment with industry expectations and regulatory frameworks.
Provider Readiness
Engaging with prospective training providers to prepare them for delivery, including capability assessment, resource planning, and implementation support.
Industrial and Tertiary Alignment
Ensuring the qualification aligns with industrial arrangements, workforce development needs, and tertiary system pathways, including articulation and credit arrangements where appropriate.
Evaluation and Monitoring
Designing and initiating evaluation frameworks to monitor pilot delivery, measure effectiveness, and provide evidence for wider rollout and continuous improvement.
Project timeline
Project contact
Project Management Office
