The Future of 4WD Training is Here
In 1997 the Australian National Four Wheel Drive Council gained national accreditation for two 4WD short courses with the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA).
In mid 1999 the National Outdoor Recreation Industry Standards were established, effectively superseding all existing outdoor based nationally accredited training courses and requiring those courses to be brought into line with the new training Standards once their accreditation period expired. The ANFWDC worked closely with the Outdoor Recreation Council of Australia (ORCA) to develop training standards for four wheel driving that would meet occupational health and safety requirements and ensure that employees received adequate 4WD training, while also meeting the needs of recreational four wheel drivers. The Recreation Industry 4WD Training Competencies were based substantially on the Council's 4WD short courses.

Training to the National Outdoor Recreation Industry Standards remains competency based and the Training Standards comprise three 4WD Competency Units:

• Drive and Recover a 4WD Vehicle;
• Drive a 4WD Vehicle in Difficult Terrain Using Advanced Techniques;
• Coordinate Recovery of a 4WD Vehicle Using Advanced Techniques

The ANFWDC established Training Support Material for all three Competency Units which were recognised by ANTA and included on the Australian National Training Information Service. This means that any RTO can purchase the packages from the ANFWDC and present nationally accredited 4WD Training.

Why is it important that 4WD training be nationally accredited?
Firstly, employers must be assured that training given to their employees meets occupational health and safety requirements under their state or territory legislation. Four wheel drive training to National Outdoor Recreation Industry Standards gives this assurance and listing of Training Support Material by the Australian National Training Information Service ensure that the training documentation is of the appropriate quality. Secondly, for the recreational four wheel driver, training to a nationally accredited course ensures that it meets recognised training standards and is presented by a Training Organisation that has been registered by their state or territory training authority to present that specific course.
The national accreditation process ensures that the Training Support Material has been reviewed within the training industry and deemed as appropriate for the existing skill level of the learner, and will impart the necessary 4WD skills to attain the competency level of the training standard. Successful completion of training and assessment to Competency Unit requirements will result in a nationally recognised Certificate of Attainment being issued to the learner. Training and assessment may be undertaken under course conditions to a training timetable, or over an extended period. Learners may continue to receive training and assessment until each competency element within the respective competencies is achieved. You do not have to repeat the entire Competency Unit should you not achieve competency in one element of that Unit.

Training Materials
The ANFWDC 4WD Training Support Materials were developed by experienced four wheel drivers from throughout Australia, with skills in 4WD training, to prepare the four wheel driver for the conditions likely to be met anywhere in the country. If you are looking for quality 4WD training, ask any Training Company you approach if they present Nationally Accredited 4WD Training. It is your assurance of a quality course, presented by Registered Training Organisations to national training standards.
The Support Materials published by the ANFWDC are:

• Trainee Guides for each of the 4WD Competencies
• Competency Assessment Record for recording achievement of each competency.
• Certificate of Attainment for issue by the RTO.
• Training Provider Manual which includes one of each of the above documents plus a Trainer Guide and Assessment Guide.

To download a price list / order form click here.

Becoming a Registered Training Organisation

To obtain information on becoming a Registered Training Organisation follow these links:

South Australia http://www.training.sa.gov.au/OVETorgs/

Tasmania http://www.tqa.tas.gov.au/1304

Northern Territory http://www.deet.nt.gov.au/training/training_organisations/rto_guide/index.shtml

Victoria http://www.ette.vic.gov.au/togberto.asp

Queensland http://www.trainandemploy.qld.gov.au/partners/registration_and_audit/registration/index.html

Western Australia http://www.tac.wa.gov.au/Thinking.html

New South Wales http://www.vetab.nsw.gov.au/index.htm

For further enquiries write to National 4WDriver Training, PO Box 131 Croydon VIC 3136 or email cbt@anfwdc.asn.au