English

This course involves reading and undertaking a range of written assessments, as well as engaging in online forums and discussions. Furthermore, the delivery mode relies on the extensive use of written communication. As such, entry to the course requires the successful completion of English to Year 10 level.

If you haven't successfully completed English at Year 10 level, you can demonstrate equivalency through one of the following:

• Successful completion of a Nationally Recognised Training qualification at Certificate III level or higher; or
• 3 years relevant industry experience in a role that requires the use of written documentation and communication

Open Colleges recognises that not all people are able to read, write and perform calculations to the same standard. See the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Considerations section for more information on tools, resources and support services provided to you by Open Colleges.

Education

There are no formal education entry requirements for this course.

Minimum age

You will need to be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18 your enrolment form will need to be signed by a parent or guardian.

Physical requirements

You will need to have a reasonable level of fitness, including the ability to:

• stand for long periods
• use their hands to handle, control or feel objects or tools
• climb, lift, balance, walk, stoop and handle materials
• kneel, crouch, crawl, bend or twist

Skills

To successfully complete this course, you will require basic computing skills. This includes:

• Creating, saving and editing Microsoft Office documents.
• Accessing and searching the internet.
• Downloading and saving documents from websites.
• Uploading documents through websites.
• Participating in online discussions.
• Compressing image files.
• Connecting digital cameras and downloading and storing images.
• Download and use AutoCAD software

Students will be required to register for AutoCAD software, available free to students enrolled in an approved educational institution. The Autodesk Student Version software incorporates all the functionality of a professional license, but includes a print banner making the software unusable for commercial purposes.

To participate in the Autodesk Education Community, students must satisfy the eligibility requirements. Further detailed information is available at: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/item?siteID=123112&id=17354855

Computing

You will need access to a computer and the internet and have basic computing skills. Minimum specifications for your computer are:

All users:

• Microsoft Office 2010 or equivalent
• Broadband internet connection
• 2GB of RAM
• CD-ROM or DVD drive
• Adobe Reader XI or equivalent
• Adobe Flash Player 10 or higher
• Access to printer and associated software
• Access to scanner and associated software
• Digital imaging software
• File compression software
• Calculator
• Telephone

Windows users:

• Microsoft Windows 7,8 or higher (Windows 10 recommended)
• 1 Ghz or faster processer (2GHz recommended)

Mac OS users:

• Mac OSX v10.5 or higher (Mac OSX v10.6 recommended)
• 1 Ghz or faster processer (2GHz recommended)

Digital equipment

You will need access to:

• A digital video recording device and/or a digital camera and associated software to save and upload video, image and audio files to OpenSpace. Many mobile phones and smart phones include this technology.
• Software to view online videos and images. Software such as Adobe Reader, Windows Media Player, Windows Photo Viewer etc. are available as a free download from the internet.

Practical task

You will be asked to complete specific tasks outlined in the assessments. You will need to find a site that will allow you to undertake the tasks.

The work-based project should be at:

A construction site (see under ‘White card’ on this page for more information). You will be coached and given advice on locating and approaching builders in their local area

The licensed builder that you use will need to have the following tools on-site:

• Hand saw
• Hand plane
• Chisels
• Electric plane
• Electric drill
• Circular saw
• Nail gun
• Air compressor
• While it is not mandatory to enter this course, you may be required to wear steel-capped boots and personal protective equipment when on a construction site. This will be up to the discretion of the builder/ business owner and any equipment or gear, if required, will need to be purchased/ sourced by you. 

White card

If you decide to complete the practical tasks of this course on a construction site, you will be required to have a white card.

People who need a white card include:

• Site managers, supervisors, surveyors, labourers and tradespeople
• People who access operational construction zones (unaccompanied or not directly supervised by an inducted person)
• Workers whose employment causes them to routinely enter operational construction zones
• The white card can be obtained online or face to face through a Registered Training Provider.
• More information and a list of white card trainers can be found on the Safe Work Australia website.

Important Note:

The White Card is not offered by Open Colleges. Students will need to get this at their own expense.

Students are required to provide examples of their White Card (CPCCOHS1001A – Work safely in the construction industry or CPCCWHS1001 - Prepare to work safely in the construction industry).

It is a requirement upon commencement of work-based project/graduation for all students to hold a current White card CPCCOHS1001A – Work safely in the construction industry or CPCCWHS1001 - Prepare to work safely in the construction industry.

Language, Literacy and Numeracy

Our free online assessment tool can help give you an idea of the language, literacy and numeracy skills needed to study a VET course. This tool can also help you determine your learning level and help you plan your future studies. You can access the Language, Literacy and Numeracy tool here.