What is a white card and do I need it?
A white card is also called a general construction induction card and it is a piece of document that is necessary for people who want to work in construction. It is obtained upon completing a course that teaches the basics of safe construction. The construction industry is a particularly high-risk workplace. To ensure the integrity of the working conditions, it is only natural that a piece of document is necessary to prove that one is aware of the code of conduct.A white card is thus a requirement for workers who are to do construction work, i.e. labourers, but also for workers who may not do construction themselves but whose work involves entering construction sites for other reasons. This would encompass everyone from supervisors and surveyors through tradespeople all the way to construction managers. Other employees who enter operational construction zones on a routine basis and without supervision may also need this piece of document. Therefore, it is quite straightforward whether you need to obtain a white card or not. If you plan on working in construction in Australia, you should look into getting a white card as soon as possible. Luckily, the process of getting one is not complicated at all.
What is the age requirement for a white card?
Whether you have reached the minimum age that is required in order to apply for a white card will depend on your local state laws. Needless to say, these can vary vastly. In some states, there is no limitation in terms of age for issuing a white card. In NSW, on the other hand, only people over the age of 14 are eligible. Check your local regulations for more information.How do I obtain a white card?
As we briefly mentioned, a white card is obtained by completing a dedicated course. What must be emphasized is that it’s not all the same where you complete this course. You must find a registered training organization for your certification to be valid and accepted by all employers. Since state requirements vary, it is also highly recommended that you complete this course in the state where you live and intend to work. So, to get a white card in Sydney, look for a certified education centre in NSW.It should also be noted that due to the nature of the education involved, in some states, this course cannot be done online. In fact, the only two states that allow online white card training are Western Australia and Tasmania. Unless you are in one of these two states, you should expect in-person education. The fact that you’ll need to attend the course physically is yet another good reason why you should choose a local training centre.
What are the requirements for enrolling on a white card course?
In order to enrol on a white card training course, besides being over 14 years old (in most states), training centres may also have other requirements. These typically include 100 points of ID, but may also include your USI. Naturally, you should also speak English in order to successfully complete the course.What will I learn in the white card course?
You might already have some idea about what the white card training course entails. The course itself is quite short. It can be completed in a few hours so you will find that most training organizations offer one-day courses. The course is aimed at teaching people the basics of safe conduct on construction sites.You will learn about identifying risks at construction sites and how to react to them appropriately. You’ll learn about construction hazards, control measures, as well as the internal communication and reporting processes. The course will also cover the basics of emergency response procedures. The training centre will organize activities where you will be able to put it all to practice and truly acquire the knowledge.
What can I expect from the white card exam?
Once you’ve completed the course, the exam will take place. This is typically held right after the course. If you pass the exam, you are going to receive your white card soon after. Until then, the training organization will most likely equip you with a slip.You might be wondering whether it is possible not to pass this exam. Indeed, it is entirely possible to fail the assessment at the end of the course. In this scenario, you can usually try again, however, you will need to check with your training organization beforehand. If you end up failing again, you might need to retake the course, though. The good news is that you can always try again.
In the end, after passing the exam, you will have proof that you are aware of and meet all the requirements and regulations that the National Work, Health & Safety prescribes and are eligible to work on construction sites.
Will my white card expire?
A lot of people wonder whether a white card is issued for life. The answer to this question is both yes and no. A white card generally does not expire as long as you stay active in your field and keep doing construction work. However, if you are to take a break from construction that will last for over two years, then the bad news is that your card will indeed become void in some states.Even if your state issues lifelong white cards, it is recommended that you refresh your knowledge by retaking the course if you take such a long break. Luckily, as we already described, white card training does not take long and you’ll be able to get back on track with little setback if you find yourself in this situation.
This was all the basic information you should be aware of regarding getting a white card in Australia. However, as mentioned, each state has slightly different laws and requirements so be sure to check with your own state’s websites.