The National Training Framework is being adopted in Victoria to ensure workers are trained in the new standards and obligations. This starts on 1 March 2024 with the new Traffic Controller (TC) and Traffic Management Implementer (TMI) training becoming mandatory for accredited traffic management companies and workers.
However, do you know that the new training requirements do NOT apply to all traffic workers?
Please read this newsletter and find the most suitable traffic training solution for yourself.
Former vs new traffic management training
The Former Training Program (Now we call it Short Term Traffic Worker Training):
Before 1 March 2024, to work inside of the traffic management industry, you only need to complete the following unit/s of competency ("Former Training Program" or "Short Term Traffic Worker Training") depending on your roles and responsibilities:
RIIWHS205E - Control traffic with the stop-slow bat
RIIWHS302E - Implement traffic management plans
From 1 March 2024, you can only carry out short term traffic works if you complete the Former Training Program on or after 1 March 2024 (Please find more details of short term traffic worker from sections below).
If you have completed the Former Training Program on or before 29 Feb 2024, you will still be recognised by the Department of Transport and Planning ("DTP") and be allowed to work in the traffic management industry as long as your existing training credential is still valid.
The New Traffic Training Program:
From 1 March 2024, you will need to complete new Traffic Controller (TC) and/or Traffic Management Implementer (TMI) training to work inside of the traffic management industry ("New Training Programs").
The New Training Programs have been re-categorised as per the table below depending on the worker's roles and responsibilities.
Category 1 - Urban Streets and Low Volume Rural Roads
Category 2 - High Volume Rural Roads
Category 3 - Motorways and Freeways
Department of Transport and Planning will not be enforcing compliance to the new Traffic Management Design (TMD) elements of the new Code of Practice until the new TMD training is readily available and workers have had the opportunity to receive formal training.
The New Training Programs will take more time and cost much more to complete, because of the higher training standards under the new National Training Framework. It may be not suitable for everyone.
Am I inside of the traffic management industry?
Am I a short term traffic worker?
If you work for an accredited traffic management company and your primary day-to-day functions are traffic management work, then you are inside of the traffic management industry.
Otherwise, you may be a short term traffic worker. See the examples of short term workers in the later section of this newsletter.
Who needs the new traffic management training:
The above new training requirements apply to traffic controllers and traffic plan implementers who are inside of the traffic management industry.
According to VicRoads, only companies with accreditation will be able to work on roads managed by the DTP and apply for DTP issued Menorandum of Authorisation permits from 1 February 2023. You can find a list of the accredited traffic management companies on the VicRoads' website.
From 1 March 2024, if you want to work inside of the traffic management industry under an accredited traffic management company and don't have a valid existing training credential, you should complete the New Training Programs.
Who is more suitable for taking the Short Term Traffic Worker Training Program?
If you are outside of the traffic management industry but are required to ensure safety on the road network, the best training option for you may be the Short Term Traffic Worker Training Program, which is easier and cheaper.
Short Term Traffic Worker Example 1:
An event worker, who needs to carry out short-term low-impact traffic control work to ensure road safety.
Short Term Traffic Worker Example 2:
John is a concreter who only works for a builder (not a traffic company). John has completed the Short Term Traffic Worker Training after 1 March 2024. John needs to use a slow-stop bat to manage the site vehicle entry and exit on the road in case when there is a site vehicle coming.
Short Term Traffic Worker Example 3:
John and his team members are carpenters who only work for a builder (not a traffic company). All of them have completed the Short Term Traffic Worker Training after 1 March 2024. Today, there will be a truck delivering some timbers to them. However, the site entry is quite small, they have to unload all timbers from the kerb side. The truck will block one lane during the unloading. They need half an hour to complete unloading. John and his team members set up traffic control signs and bollards on the road. 2 of their team members also used stop-slow bats to control the traffic.
Short Term Traffic Worker Example 4:
John and his team members are school teachers who only work for a public school. All of them have completed the Short Term Traffic Worker Training after 1 March 2024. John and his team members need to use stop-slow bats to manage the morning traffic and ensure the safety of kids at the roundabout (inside of the school).
How to book Short Term Traffic Worker Training?
If you believe that you are more suitable to undertake the Short Term Traffic Worker Training Program, simply click the following buttons.
For more information about the traffic management reform, please visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au.
I am still not sure which training I should take.
After reading this newsletter, if you are still not sure which training is suitable for you, you should consult the Department of Transport and Planning by sending an email to tmr.support@transport.vic.gov.au.
Will Origin Institute offer new traffic management training?
We are working towards an accredited training provider under the new traffic management reform. At this moment, Origin Institute will keep offering the Short Term Traffic Worker Training.
Disclaimer
Origin Institute strives to ensure that the information presented is accurate and up-to-date, but we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the blog or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the blog for any purpose.
It is the learner's responsibility to determine which training is suitable for him/her. If you are not sure how to choose the correct traffic training, you should consult the Department of Transport and Planning by sending an email to tmr.support@transport.vic.gov.au.