Due to the increase in Australia’s immigration levels there has been a corresponding increase in the number of candidates attempting to obtain High Risk Work Licences (HRWL). This is understandable as such a licence greatly improves the potential to find employment or improve on a position currently held. Under the Regulations in Western Australia, a Worksafe Assessor cannot issue a HRWL to anyone who does not have sufficient English skills as this could present a very dangerous situation in the workplace. Not only English, but sufficient numeracy skill levels are also required. We recommend that candidates who wish to enroll and believe their skills in these area may be insufficient, should check with the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) before enrolling. RTO staff will gladly help the candidate by assessing their skills prior to enrollment. A pro-active RTO will direct people to online sources where English and numeracy skill can be up graded for little or no cost. It may take a little longer to obtain a HRWL in this case but safety is the prime consideration. Identifying issues prevents embarrassment or disappointment should it be found a candidates skills levels do not meet the necessary requirements on assessment day. 

Gil Deane