About the PMA02 Training Package
The revised training package replaces PMA98.
Most existing units have been carried forward from PMA98, although there have been changes to the title and code of some units. All units have been updated for changes which have occurred since the development of PMA98.
The packaging rules are similar (although the format of the qualifications framework has changed to improve clarity). Additional qualifications have been created at AQF 5 and 6, and Certificates in Process Support have been created at AQF 1 to 3.
Operations units now carry an additional element, control hazards, to reflect the changed OH&S regulations in all States (and to some extent major hazard facility regulations).
People with existing qualifications from PMA98 will still have that qualification recognised. People with some units of competency recognised (while not having a full qualification) should have the equivalent units in PMA02 granted and then be assessed for the relevant qualification under PMA02.
Contact the State Training Authority in your State or Territory for the detailed trainsition arrangements for the jurisdiction.
Safety and incident response improvements
In 2003 the OH&S content of 26 units of competency in PMA02 were updated with input from the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission and validated by industry. There are no changes to workplace outcomes, however some of the units are now .B. versions.
In response to identified industry needs for nationally recognised specialised training, PMA02 was updated to include competencies relating to on/offshore and Major Hazard Facilities workplace incident response (OMIR). A suite of units were developed and incorporated into PMA02 as electives in the bank of support units, and some revisions were made to existing units resulting in version changes (with no changes to workplace outcomes).
Qualifications in PMA02
The package outlines the required units of competence and assessment requirements for achievement of a range of national qualifications in these industries.
The nationally recognised qualifications under the Training Package are:
PMA10102 Certificate I in Process Plant Skills
PMA10202 Certificate I in Process Support
PMA20102 Certificate II in Process Plant Operations
PMA20202 Certificate II in Process Support
PMA30102 Certificate III in Process Plant Operations
PMA30202 Certificate III in Process Support
PMA40102 Certificate IV in Process Plant Technology
PMA50102 Diploma of Process Plant Technology
PMA60102 Advanced Diploma of Process Plant Technology
The Certificates II and III in Process Plant Operations are available as generic qualifications or can be one of the following three streams - Chemical and Oil, Hydrocarbons Extraction or Hydrocarbons Transmission.
In addition to these qualifications a contractor induction Statement of Attainment has been defined, which includes the necessary industry specific competencies required by a maintenance contractor to work safely in the industry.
Status of the Training Package
The Chemical, Hydrocarbons and Oil Refining Training Package was developed by Manufacturing Learning Australia and endorsed in 1998. The review of the Training Pacakge was managed by MLA, and the revised Training Package PMA02 was endorsed in November 2002 replacing PMA98. The endorsement of PMA02 expires on 30 November 2005 however the Training Package remains current until replaced.
The safety and incident response improvements to the package were also undertaken by MLA, and were incorporated into the package in March and June 2004.
Recent corrections and updates to PMA02 can be found in the print
modification history via the NTIS web site.
The endorsed component of the Training Package is a 2 volume set, comprising the units of competency, the qualifications framework and the assessment guidelines. This is a comprehensive package providing the building blocks and framework for the national qualifications.
A unit of competency describes the standard of skills and knowledge required for an aspect of a job.
The qualifications framework shows how the units of competency can be structured into a qualification. It also provides information on customising to meet the needs of an enterprise, industry or learner.
The assessment guidelines outline the industry requirements which enable assessment of competency and award of Statements of Attainment or qualifications.
The Training Package offers the opportunity to develop specialised skills to meet a company or a trainee's needs while providing a recognised set of skills that are transferable across the industry. Training can be done on or off the job; it takes into account new developments in your workplace through the ease of customisation of the competency standards.
Each qualification in the Training Package can be customised under the packaging rules specified. For example, different combinations of elective units can be chosen, and units can be imported from other endorsed Training Packages.
Units of competency can be customised by contextualisation - the inclusion of enterprise specific details into the range of variables and the evidence guide. This can reflect the specific work practices, processes and equipment of the enterprise, while maintaining the integrity of the unit of competency.
Support materials
Twenty resources are available from Australian Training Products (ATP)
covering units from PMA02. See the ATP web site for more details and to purchase online.
For up to date details of other resources relevant to this Training Package, please see the Audit of Available Resources - from the download publications page.
PMA02 brochure
Download the PMA02 brochure which includes an outline of the qualifications. (Adobe Acrobat required)
If you would like hard copies of the brochure please contact Celeste Howden via celeste@mlaust.com
