Beginning in 2017, there will be some changes made to the course structure for the BSB30715 Certificate III in Work Health and Safety program offered by Master Builders.

Currently, BSB30715 Certificate III in Work Health and Safety consists of six days of face-to-face training over six weeks, plus seven weeks to complete the assessment. In all, the program can be completed in 13 weeks.

In 2017, the program will consist of 8.5 days of face-to-face training delivered over 27 weeks. There will be a two-week gap between each face-to-face session in which students will be required to complete self-paced learning activities (both on and off the job) as well as begin their assessment tasks. The self-paced activities include educationally designed reading, comprehension, research and investigation, reflection and practical activities. These activities will be debriefed in subsequent face-to face-sessions. Students will be provided with feedback by their trainer, and share ideas and experiences with their peers.

With the new structure, on average, students will be expected to spend a further 10 hours per week in training and assessment activities to achieve the requirements of the qualification. The typical student will undergo 270 hours of training, activities and assessment over the 27 weeks.

The change in course structure has come about in response to three main drivers:

• Feedback from our stakeholders (including students, employers and trainers/assessors) saying the current structure was too pressured and was not sufficient to adequately train and assess our students to the level required by the qualification and the workplace. Part of the evidence for this is that the Training Department was investing significant resources following up with students who were struggling to complete their assessments under the six-day delivery model.
• In line with more stringent delivery guidelines from our regulator, Master Builders, as a leader in our industry, has reviewed the program to ensure that we are following best practice.
• Last, but by no means least, Master Builders wants to lead in the field for quality OHS vocational training that adds real value to students and their employers.

Master Builders notes that many training providers have ceased delivering Certificate III level OHS training, preferring to deliver at Certificate IV and Diploma levels. Master Builders remains strongly committed to the continued delivery of BSB30715 Certificate III in Work Health and Safety as it meets industry’s needs in terms of competency standards for those who take on Work Health and Safety (WHS) responsibilities in addition to their main duties.

If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the Training Department on (03) 9411 4555