Recently, we realised that some companies are providing fake online white card training (white card scam), which is also called a white card introductory course. Students, who undertake those courses, won't get a Statement of Attainment (SoA) or white card.
In this blog post, we will talk about what the white card course is and how to distinguish an accredited course and a fake course.
What is a White Card Course?
White Card course is also known as construction induction training. In Victoria, white card training is accredited by the WorkSafe VIC. It provides mandatory health and safety knowledge and skills to anyone who wants to work in the construction industry. It is also a mandatory legal requirement for anyone who wants to work on a construction site.
In Victoria, all construction induction training courses must be conducted in a face-to-face classroom environment. Some training providers in Victoria are approved by WorkSafe VIC to deliver online virtual training during COVID-19 pandemic. Construction Induction Training is NOT permitted to be delivered by self-paced online training or e-learning (e.g. computer-based training that is completed at your own pace, at a time convenient to you).
It means that no matter if you are going to attend an approved online or face-to-face course, you need to complete a minimum of 6-hour training with an approved provider.
To complete the white card training, all students must complete a nationally accredited unit (CPCWHS1001 - Prepare to work safely in the construction industry) from a WorkSafe VIC's approved provider.
Once the student completes the training from an approved provider, the student will get an SoA (interim white card) on the same day and also get a physical white card from WorkSafe VIC in 2-3 weeks.
For more information about a white card course, please check the other blog, which talks about what the white card is and why you need one.
Origin Institute is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO ID: 45276) approved by WorkSafe VIC to deliver white card training in Victoria. See general accreditation.
How to distinguish between a proper white card course and a fake online white card scam course?
There is some critical information you need to check when you get into any white card course provider's website.
If the website states that the training is a nationally accredited unit: CPCCWHS1001 - Prepare to work safely in the construction industry (this will be superseded by a new unit called CPCWHS1001 - Prepare to work safely in the construction industry).
The training provider is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), so you must be able to find the company name, ABN, RTO number, office address, contact number and contact email address on their website. If you find any website that only provides an email address, but no company name, ABN, office address and RTO number, then you need to be very careful.
Check if the course webpage clearly mentions that the course is approved by the WorkSafe VIC.
Check if the course requires you to complete a minimum of 6-hour training.
Most fake online white card courses' price ranges are between $20-$60. If you find a very cheap white card course, which is much cheaper than any normal provider, you need to be very careful.
if you find a white card course only requires you to complete online self-paced multiple-choice questions, that is NOT an accredited white card course.
You won't get any legitimate certificate or white card by completing a fake online white card course or white card introductory course.
Why do you need a proper WorkSafe VIC white card?
White card training in Victoria comes with high training quality requirements. It provides mandatory health and safety knowledge and skills to anyone who wants to work in the construction industry by completing a min. 6-hour training.
Most employers in Victoria prefer the worker to complete face-to-face white card training before getting into the construction site. The WorkSafe VIC card is good evidence that you have completed the proper training in Victoria.
WorkSafe VIC white card is nationally recognised. It means you can use this to work anywhere in Australia.
Do I need to take an online introductory course before attending a formal construction induction white card training?
The construction induction (white card) training is a fundamental construction health and safety course for anyone who wants to work in the construction industry. It is NOT necessary to take any introductory course before attending a white card course.
Origin Institute will provide enough online learning materials for students to preview the course content before class. Our experienced trainers will do their best to provide support in case of any learning barrier.
Can I take online white card training from other states?
There are many providers trying to advertise other states' online white card training in Victoria. The most common online white card training is from WA (Western Australia).
The white card is nationally accredited training. However, due to differences in training requirements and WHS regulations in different states, in Victoria, not every employer accepts white cards from other states or online training. Every week, we see many students, who hold other states' white cards, come to re-do the training with us due to their employers' requirements. Therefore, the best and most cost-effective way is always to get a Victorian White Card directly.
If you are an individual, who wants to work for a reputable construction business in Victoria, the best option is to get a Victoria White Card, which is the most hassle-free way.
If you are a construction business in Victoria, you will prefer your workers complete their construction induction white card training in Victoria. For any employer, workplace safety is always the first priority thing. More strict training requirements in Victoria also mean better training quality and lower workplace safety risk.
If you are an owner-builder or building practitioner applicant, you will need a Victorian White Card training. Victoria Building Authority does not recognise any other white card from an online training program.
Therefore, instead of spending money 2 or more times on this training in the future, why not get the right construction induction training right now?
Origin Institute always adheres to providing quality training and right training. Our experienced trainers and office team strive to provide knowledgeable sessions to all of our students. Over 6,000 5-star customer reviews have proven that we are doing the right thing.
Book a legitimate short course training from Origin Institute today!
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