Does Professionalisation mean being paid a salary?
No. Professionalisation is about recognising an individual’s skills, competency and experience, regardless of whether they are paid or not.
Will AFAC be the accreditation body?
Not necessarily. It’s best not to get ahead of the process; we need to know in the first instance whether this is the right thing to do for our sector. Any arrangements to administer a Professionalisation Scheme would be considered as part of the next phase of the project (the model design and feasibility study), should it proceed.
What’s in it for me?
Some people have said it will enhance career opportunities; others have said it will give them an idea of what study and development they need to do to advance their careers (paid or volunteer).
Recognition of expertise is important to a lot of people and is valuable when presenting expert opinions in some situations, particularly in a court of law. Others have said they will benefit from having practical experience formally recognised.
Why should I pursue higher education if I don’t intend to look for promotion?
You don’t need to.
What if I don’t have the required qualifications?
If you don’t then you might have significant and extensive experience; in any Scheme practical experience is an important component.
This Scheme will help you to identify what qualifications you need to achieve a particular level of certification. You then have the choice as to whether you want to obtain those qualifications or not.
I’m a volunteer – how will this impact on me?
You will be able to access the scheme like any person involved in the fire and emergency service work.
Does this mean I have to do more training?
Not necessarily, but the training that you do undertake could be recognised as part of the certification process. Continual professional development is one of the hallmarks of any professionalisation scheme and people will be encouraged to keep advancing their knowledge.
Is this a new education program?
No it is not. What it is however, is an opportunity to have a consistent training and qualifications framework for the fire and emergency services sector, which will help support the portability of people within the sector.
In addition, it will provide direction and guidance to education providers so that they can provide quality education delivered to a standard determined by the sector.
Will my previous experience be counted?
Certainly. A key component of any professionalisation scheme is practical experience. Being certified as an expert practitioner requires the application of learning. Being accredited is a combination of training and attaining qualifications as well as practical experience.
Will this be compulsory?
No.
