Traffic management training methods and materials
We’re introducing a new traffic management training approach to better provide the skills and experience needed to work in the risky and complex road environment.
It is one of many initiatives being delivered under the traffic management reform program to create a consistent approach to traffic management across Victoria in line with national guidelines and approaches.
Relevant forms include:
How is traffic management training changing?
The traffic management training model is changing to reflect the updated codes of practice under the Road Management Act. Traffic management workers need to be trained in the new standards and guidelines.
The change involves adopting the national training framework (NTF) for temporary traffic management, supported by localised content.
This new approach means that traffic management training courses are taught and evaluated in the same way across all registered training organisations (RTOs), so students are learning the same content and getting the same experience.
This will help create a consistent approach to traffic management activities across our state.
The new training approach continues to put the safety of workers, road users and local communities as the top priority when traffic management activities are planned and delivered.
It aligns to the national guidance, the Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (AGTTM), so gives traffic management workers a nationally recognised qualification which allows them to work in any jurisdiction across Australia (following the completion of any additional state specific training).
It applies to the whole Victorian road network (including local and arterial roads, highways and freeways) as set out in the new CoP under Part 8 of the AGTTM.
The Australia-wide roll out of the NTF is being managed by Austroads as the national association of Australian and New Zealand Road transport and traffic agencies. The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) is leading the roll out of the new training in Victoria.
When is traffic management training changing?
The NTF started being adopted in Victoria from December 2023.
- The new traffic controller (TC) and traffic management implementer (TMI) training became mandatory on 1 March 2024.
- The new TMD training became mandatory on 10 July 2024.
Please note: qualifications received under the previous TC, TMI and TMD courses will continue to be recognised until they expire or three years from date of issue (whichever is earliest).
The updated key timings are:
Second half of 2023
- NTF materials and localised content finalised
- Train the trainer program and the ATP application process is opened.
From 1 December
- The NTF introduced in Victoria with the TC and TMI training commencing
- Previous TC and TMI training can continue to be delivered concurrently with the new training until 29 February 2024
Late 2023
- Austroads National ATP database and auditing process is established
From 1 March 2024
- New TC and TMI training courses becomes mandatory. Training taken under the previous TC and TMI courses after this date will no longer be recognised by DTP.
- DTP will continue to recognise any previous TC and TMI courses taken before 1 March 2024 until they expire.
2023 to 2027
Training transition period (new training will need to be taken as current qualifications expire)
What does this mean for new traffic management workers?
New traffic management workers will be required to take the new training courses when they become available.
Anyone wanting to work in the traffic management industry before the national training framework is in place needs to complete the training currently being offered in Victoria, regardless of whether they have completed training in another state.
Only the courses under the NFT are recognised in other states.
Once the NFT is introduced, there will be additional localised content to cover the circumstances unique to our state and it will need to be completed to work on the Victorian road network.
This may have to be taken as a separate short training course if an individual completes the national training outside of Victoria, otherwise it will be integrated into the training courses offered in Victoria.
Austroads has published a list of approved training providers (ATP) to indicate which RTOs are offering courses under the new NFT.
What does this mean for current traffic management workers?
Current traffic management workers will take the new training course as their qualifications expire or can opt to refresh their training earlier than required and take advantage of receiving nationally recognised qualifications as the courses become available.
More information about recognition of prior learning and refresher courses will be available as details are confirmed.
What does this mean for RTOs?
Austroads has released the eight new temporary traffic management skill sets and the registered training organisation operational framework for temporary traffic management.
RTOs interested in delivering the new skill sets will need to become an ATP.
They will be provided with pre-prepared training materials that will be kept current when relevant acts, regulations and obligations are updated.
ATPs will also receive a logo to use on all marketing and communications materials to promote they are delivering the new traffic management training.
Austroads will create and maintain a national register of approved training providers as well as work with ATPs to create a publicly available register of traffic management worker and their current qualifications. This list is published on the Austroads website.
Austroads will also oversee a regular audit program to make sure the new training courses are being delivered consistently across all ATPs.
Austroads will be charging a fee to cover the costs to run the auditing program, keep training material updated and maintain the publicly available registers.
The fee will be payable by ATPs for each statement of attainment issued to a successful participant and ranges between $50 to $100, as set out in the Austroads RTO operational framework for temporary traffic management training.
DTP may introduce a fee to apply to become an ATP to cover administration costs in the future. Any changes to this will be communicated to the RTO industry ahead of any introduction.
Please note any ASQA or VRQA fees are not superseded by this training model and are still applicable where required.
ATP application process
Interested RTOs will need to apply to DTP to become an ATP. The process consists of two steps:
- Step 1. RTOs will need to access the final versions of the training materials to review and decide which skill set(s) they want to deliver. This will require RTOs to complete a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
NDA application form (PDF) - Step 2. Once an RTO decides which skill set(s) they want to deliver, they will then complete the ATP application form and work with DTP to complete the process. An RTO must nominate at least one skill set to deliver when applying to become an ATP.
ATP application form (PDF)
More information about each step is outlined in the below fact sheet: ATP process fact sheet (PDF)
There is no cut-off date for applying to become an ATP. Applications will be accepted as they are submitted.
However, we encourage RTOs to apply as soon as they are ready as DTP will need some time to assess the application and this review period will need to be factored into any delivery schedules.
Delivery requirements
RTOs must have:
- Confirmation of ASQA or VRQA registration.
- Facilities needed to conduct the training in a face-to-face environment.
- Confirmation of partnerships with traffic management companies (can be a letter from a traffic management company confirming the details of the partnership).
- Trainers/assessors with the relevant qualifications and experience, including evidence of holding the skill sets for each of the national training program they will be delivering.
Assessment requirements
RTOs must be able to:
- Provide traffic control cards together with the Statement of Attainment.
Maintenance of ATP status
RTOs will need to take part in:
- Regular auditing program in addition to ASQA or VRQA’s regulatory requirements.
Austroads also has more information on their website about the national training framework for temporary traffic management regarding the ATP application process, including details on the skill sets and associated materials (such as training and assessment strategies and assessment tools).
For more information
For more information about the TMR program: traffic management reform key info (PDF)
If you have any questions or need further information about the National Training Framework or the ATP process, please contact [email protected].