ARAA Statement - Recent Assessment Issue

[Mod]

We recently had a hiccup at an assessment of 4 x L3s in Sydney. This note is to inform all members of what happened and what action we have/are taking.

An assessment was carried out by an ARAA Assessor the day before he headed off interstate for an extended period of work. The assessment was also overviewed by a number of other experienced operators. Input from them has highlighted some issues.

We recognise this may have happened on a number of other occasions previously with other assessor's works, but have gone un-noticed in the past.

In this regard, we want to ensure there is no finger pointing at the Assessor involved - he happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time! We are using this situation to improve our systems and create better guidance for accessors, trainers and candidates.

At the assessment involving 4 x L2s moving to L3 following a week of intensive training by a seperate trainer, all passed the assessment.

Observations of the assessment on the day raised some further points to some we have reccently discussed at an assessor's workshop and we have taken the opportunity to use this as an example of where we think the standard of assessment needs to sit.

None of the candidates had committed a safety breach during the assessment. However, there were some concerns that perhaps the assessment lacked the length and intensity of what many would call the minimum required standard of a level 3 assessment. It was more in the vein of there was a lack of intensity, direction and not enough activities to see the candidates adequately demonstate demonstrate their skills.

This is not a criticism of the original assessor. We recognise this is very subjective thing to judge and there are often issues of different opinion of skill level or ability on some assessments.

To ensure the system is fair and transparent we requested the candidates attend a brief verification check by a second assessor. This is hoped to clear the air and remove any doubts that others may have had on the assessor result. It is intended as an abridged check (approx 4 hours) to ensure (in part) that any part of the process can be questioned and verified when necessary. But also to ensure the integrity of the system, the candidates and the safety of the others working under them.

To date, two of the candidates have been verified and were found satisfactory. We are still waiting on the others, one of whom is currently overseas.

Should either of these 2 not pass verification, they will be offered some additional training to assist them over the line and then re-assessed. At this time, all additional costs have been/will be met by ARAA, not the candidates.

It's most important that everybody understands that this is a system issue and not a direct criticism of the Assessor or any one of the candidates, or anyone else involved in the process. It is simply a step along the way to an ever improving competency system.

We feel the action we have taken is the best protection for the candidates, the assessor and the ARAA competency system.

[Undemyanneply]

Seems to be sorted now, but if anyone finds its not or any other issues please contact me so i can resolve it asap.