Skills maintenance – more than just points!

New ‘mixed-model’ skills maintenance scheme is now in effect

Changes to the LBP skills maintenance scheme, announced earlier this year, come into effect last month and the gradual transition to the new skills maintenance scheme has begun. The new framework moves away from an entirely points-based system in favour of a new ‘mixed-model’ approach, with the aim of promoting more meaningful and relevant learning for LBPs.

The new model will require LBPs to complete both compulsory and elective activities. Compulsory activities include reading LBP Knowledge articles in Codewords, completing a quiz after each article and demonstrating two examples of on-the-job learning.

The elective part of the new scheme remains largely the same. Each hour of relevant elective activity equals 1 LBP point. The only change is that the minimum number of points required has now been reduced by half.

Although the new scheme officially started on 2 November, LBPs are only required to transition to the new system once they renew their licence on or after the change date.

For example, if you are required to submit your next skills maintenance form by 13 May 2016, you will continue to do activities and earn points under the current scheme until then. From 14 May 2016, you will transfer to the new scheme.

Key details on the upcoming changes to the LBP skills maintenance scheme include:

1. Completing both compulsory and elective activities

Completing compulsory and elective activities promotes meaningful and relevant learning, while saving you valuable time and resources in meeting your skills maintenance requirements.

2. You still have two years to complete all activities

Timeframes for meeting your skills maintenance requirements will not change – you still have two years to complete all activities before applying for relicensing.

3. Reading LBP Knowledge articles in Codewords

The articles cover important regulatory and technical information relevant to your licence class. Articles will be delivered directly to your inbox.

4. Complete a quiz after each article

You will need to complete a short quiz following each article, which reinforces the information covered within that article.

5. On-the-job learning is now a compulsory activity

On-the-job learning is an effective and efficient way of capturing how you continue to learn through the course of your work. Over the two-year timeframe, select at least two project examples where you’ve had to learn something new, or you’ve had to complete a more complex job. Evidence can include a copy of a Record of Work (RoW) form, a Certificate of Design Work (CoW form), or any other form which documents what you have done and what you have learned on the job.

6. Elective activities

The elective part of the new scheme remains largely the same. Each hour of relevant elective activity equals
1 LBP point. The only change is that the minimum number of points required has now been reduced by half.

7. The new scheme comes into effect on 2 November 2015

You will transfer to the new scheme once you have completed your skills requirements under the current scheme. For example, if you are required to submit your next skills maintenance form by 13 May 2016, you will continue to do activities and earn points under the current scheme until then. From 14 May 2016, you will transfer to the new scheme.

8. Auditing

Each year, a number of LBPs will have their skills maintenance records audited. Keep up-to-date copies of the skills maintenance activities you have completed by either uploading your records online or keeping a paper copy on file.

9. It’s not all about the points!

The purpose of the new scheme is to promote meaningful learning and encourage LBPs to focus on doing activities that are relevant to their licence class and area of practice. It is designed to focus on key areas of learning, which LBPs can effectively apply to their line of work.