In our experience, Defence personnel is often surprised at the qualifications they are eligible to get through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process (sometimes referred to as ‘Skills Recognition’), without even opening a textbook.
In fact, there are quite a few things that might surprise you about RPL. To find out more, read our ‘FAQs about RPL for Defence‘ post. The qualifications that Defence personnel receive can open doors to employment throughout a range of industries, including mining, government, in training and in the private sector.
So, if you’re thinking about leaving soon or have already left Defence in the last five years, the possibilities afforded by to you by Recognition of Prior Learning are many and varied.
For an idea of how personnel from various ranks can build a new career with their qualifications, we will soon be releasing our exclusive ‘Progression Guides’ – case studies of Defence personnel, showing their ranks when they left Defence, the quals they obtained through RPL and the exciting new civilian careers they have now.
In the meantime, here is some food for thought- these are the Top 5 Qualifications that we award to Defence personnel through RPL:
BSB51920 Diploma of Leadership and Management
The BSB51920 Diploma of Leadership and Management shows employers that you can combine the two vital aspects of management: effective team leadership and organisational planning for success. This qualification demonstrates that you have skills and knowledge in both human resources and management operations, and can balance the need for business growth with the tasks of managing employees and their performance.
Potential positions for personnel with this qualification include:
- Project Manager
- Customer Service Manager
- Operations Manager
- Business Development Manager
- Human Resources Manager
CPP50619 Diploma of Security and Risk Management
The CPP50619 Diploma of Security and Risk Management is the highest qualification in this sector. With this one under your belt, you can effectively demonstrate to employers that you have substantial experience in acting at a managerial level, conducting comprehensive security assessments and developing high level emergency management response planning. This is an ideal qualification for those personnel who want to transfer their experience into a parallel industry such as the police force or the emergency services.
Potential positions for personnel with this qualification include:
- Security Consultant
- Security and Risk Advisor
- Elite security guard
- Security Operations Manager
PSP40116 Certificate IV in Government
Many Defence personnel will be able to obtain this qualification easily through RPL. The PSP40116 Certificate IV in Government (now superseded by PSP40116 Certificate IV in Government) is an ideal qualification for those looking to secure a sought-after entry-level position in government or the public sector. This qualification validates your advanced communication strategies, capacity to work within an established framework, your ability to maintain effective workplace relationships, skill in autonomous self-management and monitoring and improving service delivery to clients.
Depending on specialisations, potential positions for personnel with this qualification include:
- Administrative Services Officer
- Customer Service Officer (public sector)
- Financial Officer
- Court Registrar
- Senior Records Officer
BSB51319 Diploma of Work Health and Safety
The BSB51319 Diploma of Work Health and Safety is a fundamental consideration in modern organisations. Professionals in this field are always required, as workplaces must comply to relevant legislation in the area. This qualification assures employers that applicants for jobs that require the coordination and maintenance of workplace health and safety programs in their organisation are already experienced and knowledgeable in these areas, with a comprehensive understanding of WHS and its applications.
Potential positions for personnel with this qualification include:
- Work Health and Safety Officer
- Work Health and Safety Manager
Depending on where you want to go, you may also be able to use the qualifications that you obtain via RPL/Skills Recognition to give you credit towards further study. They may shave a year or more off a Bachelor’s degree or fast-track you into an Advanced Diploma program in your chosen field.
For personnel who have the relevant specialised experience, we have also been able to award qualifications in Logistics, Business Administration, Paramedical Science and Project Management, among others.
