Registered operators benefit a range of other stakeholders in the water industry. Employers can be confident in the work of employees, knowing that staff members who are registered have the skills for the occupation and are committed to excellence in their role.
Job seekers and other young people will recognise and benefit from the enhanced career pathways in the water industry resulting from the industry based registration system which specifies training, knowledge, skills and experience.
Private industry employers who insisting on using registered personnel ensure they are practising sound risk management which can often provide a point of difference and a competitive advantage in seeking new work.
The environment will be better off as well-informed operational practices can prevent inappropriate off-site discharges, conserve water and avoid damage to aquifers and waterways.
Consumers and the general community will know that when their systems are operated by registered specialists. People that have the skills and experience necessary to operate or manage a system efficiently, effectively and with minimal impact on public health.
Registered Professional Operators
- help to ensure that both public health and the environment are protected and that the drinking water, wastewater and recycled water that is provided to end-users is safe and fit for purpose.
- provide an assurance to regulators, communities, and the users of drinking water and recycled water that Operators are competent to manage drinking water, wastewater and/or recycled water, as well as being capable of identifying and responding to drinking water, wastewater and/or recycled water quality risks and incidents.
Other benefits and risks that registration aims to address, include:
- improved quality of training in a thin training market. Registration is linked to the National Water Training Package (NWP) – it puts structure around what operators are trained in to make sure it’s suitable and provides a process for them to remain up-to-date with emerging issues and technology.
- better portability and career options for operators – national collaboration makes it easier to get jobs elsewhere within the industry.
- an internal learning structure to support organisations with workforce planning, and Learning and Development (L&D) plans.
- better management of organisational risk (i.e. improved confidence and support for employers, regulators and staff).