Competency Pay for Tradespersons Policy
Intent
To outline the competencies payable and associated process for the payment of the Competency Pay for Tradespersons.
Scope
This policy applies only to those persons employed by the University in a tradesperson position.
Definitions
Tradesperson – a person who holds a recognised trade based qualification and uses that trade qualification in their position.
Policy and Procedures
1. Eligibility
Employees will be eligible to receive one of two competency pay annual allowances conditional upon the following criteria:
The employee has successfully completed an AQF recognised course of study or industry recognised or work related training course, which is in addition to their trade qualification and is deemed by the Manager/Director/College Dean of the relevant work area to be directly related to their current or future duties and is or will be utilised by the employee in the course of their work.
Employees must obtain approval in writing from the Manager/Director/College Dean of the relevant area, prior to any study or training course commencing.
Employees undertaking a recognised course of study will be entitled to apply for study assistance in accordance with the University's Staff Study Assistance Scheme.
2. Entitlement
Eligible employees shall be entitled to one of the following two annual allowances as under:
i. AQF Recognised course study allowance
An annual allowance of $2,500.00 will be paid to an employee where they already hold or have successfully completed a recognised course of study, as detailed in clause 3, that is in addition to their trade qualification; or
ii. Further work related training allowance
An annual allowance of $500 per competency up to a maximum of five (5) competencies will be paid to an employee where they already hold or successfully complete further work related training in their trade area, which is directly relevant to the employee’s duties, and is or can be utilised by the employee in their course of work and has been agreed to by the Director/College Dean of the relevant work area.
The allowances are only applicable from the date of operation of the Agreement and will not be paid retrospectively.
3. Recognised Qualifications
Below is a list of recognised qualifications for each of the trade categories. This list is not exhaustive and may be altered or expanded by agreement with management from time to time.
AQF Qualifications deemed beneficial to JCU | Trade | Minimum Qualifications required in position | Additional industry qualifications deemed beneficial to JCU |
Cert IV or Diploma in AutoCAD Cert IV Workplace Training and Assessment Diploma of Engineering | Fitter and Turner | Cert iii Fitter and Turner | Forklift ticket Gantry Crane ticket Working at Heights certification Restricted Electrical ticket Extended certification in welding (e.g. TIG or similar) EWP (Elevating Work Platform) Confined Spaces |
Cert IV or Diploma in AutoCAD Cert IV Workplace Training and Assessment Diploma of Engineering | Plumber | Cert iii Plumbers trade cert Gas Fitter Licence Backflow Ticket | EWP Ticket Forklift Asbestos B Class removal licence Working at Heights Confined spaces Skid Steer Loader Underground Services location Backflow Certification Solar WHS certification Additional gas certification ( Co2, Argon, Nitrogen etc) TMV Certification |
Cert IV or Diploma in AutoCAD Cert IV Workplace Training and Assessment Diploma of Engineering Diploma of Project Management | Carpenter | Cert iii trade certificate Carpentry | EWP Ticket Forklift Asbestos B Class removal licence Working at Heights Confined spaces Skid Steer Loader Underground Cable/Pipe location (ULV) Supplementary Trade certificate Test and Tag certification |
Cert IV Workplace Training and Assessment Diploma of Engineering | Refrigeration Mechanic | Trade qualifications in Refrigeration and Restricted Electrical Licence | Forklift Working at heights Confined Spaces Test and Tag Certification Relevant certification on specific plant (chillers) |
Cert IV Workplace Training and Assessment Diploma of Engineering | Vehicle Mechanic | Trade Qualifications as a vehicle mechanic | Forklift Hydraulic Diagnostic Certificate Skidsteer Loader Front End Loader Automotive Air Conditioning Commercial Vehicle Module |
Cert IV Workplace Training and Assessment Diploma of Engineering Diploma of Project Management Diploma of Management | Electricians | Trade Qualifications as Electrical Fitter/Mechanic CPR/LV Contractor Induction | High Voltage Switching Operator Licence EWP Ticket BMS Controls Confined Spaces Working with heights Cable Location Estimator Qualification Basic refrigeration/air conditioning |
4. JCU Commitment to training – industry recognised training course
Where an employee does not currently have the required competencies to receive the maximum allowance of $2500 per annum, JCU agrees to provide the opportunity for the employee to achieve at least one qualification per year.
5. Currency/Upgrading of qualifications
It is the responsibility of the employee to maintain the currency of any agreed qualifications and or upgrade any qualifications as required by the recognised certifying body from time.
If any qualification/s lapse without good cause payment of the applicable allowance will cease.
6. Payment of the allowance
The applicable allowance will be paid fortnightly following approval on the appropriate form.
7. Professional Development
Other professional development undertaken in the normal course of employment with the University will not attract this allowance. Professional Development may include: computer skills, first aid, performance management training, occupational health and safety, resuscitation.
8. Recognition of other qualification:
Employees who consider they have a qualification that should be recognised should contact their supervisor/manager in writing detailing the qualification and how the qualification is used or can be used in their position and provide a certified copy of the qualification. Employees will be notified in writing as to whether the qualification is an accepted qualification.
9. Obtaining qualifications
Employees who wish to attain/study a qualification are to discuss their request with their Manager/Director/College Dean stating the reason for wishing to obtain/study the qualification and how it can be utilised in their position and or for the benefit of JCU.
Related documents and legislation
Human Resources Sub-delegation Register
Performance, Development and Recognition Policy
Tradespersons Competency Pay Application Form
Administration
NOTE: Printed copies of this policy are uncontrolled, and currency can only be assured at the time of printing.
Approval Details
Policy Domain | University Management |
Policy Domain | Human Resources |
Policy Custodian | Deputy Vice Chancellor, Services and Resources |
Approval Authority | Vice Chancellor |
Date for next Major Review | 29/05/2022 |
Revision History
Version no. | Approval date | Implementation date | Details | Author |
17-2 | 09/08/2017 | 10/08/2017 | Mid-year review of HR Policies in line with the HR Operational Plan Item, Deliver Policy Reviews; Fitness for Future Purpose. | Deputy Director, Human Resources |
17-1 | 20/02/2017 | 21/02/2017 | Minor administrative amendments: Head of School replaced with College Dean throughout; Administration details updated to reflect current policy template. | Quality, Standards and Policy Officer |
15-1 | 24/08/2015 | 24/08/2015 | Policy sponsor and approval authority amended to reflect approved Policy and Delegations Framework. | Quality, Standards and Policy Office |
12-01 | 29/05/2012 | 29/05/2012 |
Keywords | tradesperson, competency pay |
Contact person | Manager, Industrial Relations and Policy |