REFRESHING SKILLS

Abstract

The changes experienced by the industry in the last decade have contributed to increasing competency demands on operational personnel and increased demand for evidence of competency. This in turn has led to an increased emphasis on the assessment of competencies to externally recognised standards. Many companies are using the nationally endorsed competency standards in the PMA02 Chemical, Hydrocarbons and Oil Refining Training Package. A group of companies have established the Hydrocarbons Assessor Network to help them move towards best practice competency assessment and to identify industry benchmarks. Santos Ltd is one such company and its experiences show that a properly designed and supported assessment system can make a positive contribution not only to the skills of the workforce but also the culture in the workplace. They have been able to use their assessment system as one means of revitalising the workforce and equipping them to face today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.