Craig Mixes Business With Study
Wednesday, 30 September 2009
Taking time out from his business to complete all the units required for a horticulture diploma would have been impossible for Craig Martin.
However, by using Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) through Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE (SQIT) Mr Martin was able to complete his Diploma of Horticulture, Landscape stream without affecting the business.
Mr Martin said devoting time to both strands of his family business, Martin Garden Centre and Martin Transport, allowed him little time for study.
But being around his parents’ garden business since he was a child had given him a vast knowledge of horticulture and landscaping and he was formally recognised for the skills and knowledge he has acquired over decades.
"Through RPL I was accredited for most of the competencies required for the Diploma without actually having to spend the time studying for them," Mr Martin said.
"Normally it would have taken three years but I was able to complete it in one year, allowing me time to dedicate to the business."
Mr Martin said he needed a TAFE qualification to obtain a Builder Restricted to Structural Landscape licence, issued to compliant businesses by the Building Services Authority.
"To carry out any landscaping work there is a Government requirement to hold a BSA licence to undertake work greater than $1100," he said.
"To have the BSA licence that enables me to do landscaping work I needed to have the TAFE diploma.
"TAFE teachers Brian Sams and Jamie McDougall identified those subjects where I could get RPL and where I needed to fill my knowledge gaps by completing the subjects."
Mr Martin said the process of determining whether he had the skills and knowledge to be accredited through RPL was simple.
"Brian Sams used a pro forma and we went through what I was capable of," he said.
"It required a combination of me presenting photos of my past jobs and quote books showing I had done the work and was capable of it."
Mr Martin recommended using the RPL process to attain either full or part qualifications.
"For someone like me who needs to go down the track of licensing and compliance, RPL is an excellent way of getting it done."
For further information on RPL for any TAFE qualification call Megan Bond 4694 1676.