VOC vs Refresher Training: What Employers Need to Know
Employers often use the terms Verification of Competency and refresher training interchangeably, but they serve different purposes. Choosing the wrong option can lead to compliance gaps, unnecessary training costs or delays on site.
Understanding when a VOC is required and when refresher training is more appropriate helps employers meet their obligations while keeping work moving efficiently.
What Is a Verification of Competency?
A Verification of Competency, commonly referred to as a VOC, is an assessment used to confirm that a worker can safely and competently perform a task or operate machinery at the time of assessment.
A VOC:
- confirms current competence
- does not issue a new qualification or licence
- is often required by employers, principal contractors or site managers
- is commonly used during onboarding or site mobilisation
VOC assessments are widely used across civil construction, mining, transport and agriculture, particularly for high risk work and plant operation.
What Is Refresher Training?
Refresher training is structured training delivered to update or reinforce skills and knowledge. It is used when there is a need to improve competency rather than simply verify it.
Refresher training:
- revisits safe work practices and procedures
- addresses skill gaps or changes in equipment or processes
- may be recommended following a VOC
- can be delivered on site or at a training facility
Refresher training does not replace the requirement for a licence where one is legally required, but it supports ongoing safe operation.
The Key Difference Between VOC and Refresher Training
The simplest way to understand the difference is intent.
A VOC answers the question, can this worker perform the task competently right now?
Refresher training answers the question, does this worker need additional training before being assessed or continuing work?
A worker can hold a valid licence and still require refresher training if their skills are out of date or if site requirements have changed.
When Employers Should Use a VOC
Employers typically require a VOC in the following situations:
- onboarding new employees or contractors
- site or project mobilisation
- returning workers who have not operated equipment recently
- meeting site specific or client requirements
- preparing for audits or inspections
A VOC allows employers to demonstrate due diligence by confirming competence without unnecessarily retraining experienced operators.
When Refresher Training Is the Better Option
Refresher training is more appropriate when:
- a worker has not used the equipment for an extended period
- new machinery or processes have been introduced
- a VOC identifies gaps in safe operation
- an incident or near miss has occurred
- changes to legislation or site rules need to be addressed
In many cases, refresher training is followed by a VOC to confirm competency once skills have been updated.
Can Employers Use Both?
Yes. Many employers use refresher training and VOCs together as part of their safety and compliance systems.
A common approach is:
- refresher training to address knowledge or skill gaps
- followed by a VOC to confirm competence
This approach supports compliance while reducing risk and improving consistency across teams.
Employer Responsibilities Under WHS Laws
Under NSW work health and safety legislation, employers must ensure workers are competent to perform their roles safely. This responsibility applies even if a worker holds a current licence.
Using VOCs and refresher training appropriately helps demonstrate compliance with guidance from SafeWork NSW and supports safer work outcomes on site.
On-Site VOC and Refresher Training for Regional Businesses
For regional employers, on-site delivery is often the most practical option.
Benefits include:
- reduced downtime and travel
- assessments conducted on familiar machinery
- training aligned to site specific risks
- consistency across crews and locations
SKIVL delivers Verification of Competency assessments and refresher training across Dubbo, the Central West and wider NSW, supporting employers across civil construction, mining, agriculture and transport.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Workforce
If the goal is to confirm existing competence, a VOC is usually the correct starting point. If there are concerns about skill currency or changes to work practices, refresher training may be required before assessment.
Talking through your workforce, equipment and site requirements with a training provider can help determine the most efficient and compliant approach.
Book VOC or Refresher Training With SKIVL
SKIVL works with regional employers to deliver practical, industry focused VOC assessments and refresher training that meet site and regulatory requirements.
Training and assessment can be delivered on site or at SKIVL’s Dubbo facility, depending on your operational needs.
To discuss Verification of Competency in Dubbo or determine whether refresher training is required, contact the SKIVL team to plan a solution that keeps your workforce compliant and site ready.