Skill recognition strengthens workforce capability for Queensland schools

Overview

Through TAFE Queensland's skills recognition pathway, participants are gaining formal qualifications faster and more efficiently, recognising the valuable skills they already use every day and enhancing operational capability across Queensland schools.

This initiative enables cleaners to achieve the Certificate III in Cleaning Operations (CPP30321) by formally recognising existing skills and experience. Under the guidance of TAFE Queensland industry-experienced educators, participants receive credit for their workplace experience and complete gap training. This streamlined approach reduces time away from work, minimises disruption, and ensures consistency across the workforce.

Opportunity

School-based cleaners play a vital role in maintaining safe, hygienic learning environments, yet many lacked formal recognition for the skills they apply daily. Without accessible pathways to qualification, opportunities for career progression, professional development, and workforce consistency were limited.

The DoE needed a scalable, cost-effective solution to upskill this essential workforce — one that acknowledged existing expertise while minimising disruption to school operations.

Solution

Co-designed with the DoE, the skills recognition pathway for the Certificate III in Cleaning Operations (CPP30321) is tailored to departmental processes, using familiar language, suppliers, and equipment. This alignment ensures ease of implementation and relevance to the workplace.

Each cohort is supported by a dedicated educator, providing consistent, personalised guidance. The delivery model offers flexibility while maintaining quality through the provision of five face-to-face sessions (including First Aid) or online sessions. Assessments are built around standardised workplace tasks, ensuring practical relevance and ease of completion.

Since its launch in 2020, the program has proven its scalability, supporting large cohorts to achieve the Certificate III in Cleaning Operations (CPP30321) across Queensland.

Results

• 2,014+ school-based cleaners have participated in the skills recognition pathway since 2020.
• The program has improved workforce capability and recognised employees’ existing expertise.
• A growing number of participants have pursued further study, including business and account keeping qualifications, enhancing their potential to contribute in broader roles.

Renn’s journey exemplifies this impact. After engaging with the Certificate III in Cleaning Operations (CPP30321) skills recognition pathway program, Renn voluntarily enrolled in the Diploma of Business (BSB50120), delivered part-time and face-to-face at TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus. His progression reflects the program’s ability to inspire confidence and support further learning opportunities.

Future plans

The skills recognition pathway program’s success has led to a three-year contract extension, securing its continuation through to 2028. For the DoE, this represents a long-term investment in workforce capability, operational efficiency, and employee engagement.

Renn’s plans to complete his diploma highlight the broader potential of this pathway, not just for individuals, but for employers. The program demonstrates how skills recognition and gap training can support professional development, succession planning, and strategic workforce growth, helping organisations build a more capable and future-ready workforce.