Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question for us?

Skills Lab is happy to answer any questions about our courses.

You will likely find the answer below in our FAQs list, but should you require further information please feel free to contact us directly.

How do I apply for a qualification?
You can apply by selecting the ‘enquire now’ button below the summary of the course you are interested in on the Skills Lab web page. We will contact you to discuss the course you are interested in and supply you with our enrolment pack that you can return to us at training@skillslab.com.au.
How will I know whether my application has been successful?
If your application is successful, we will send you an email containing an enrolment acceptance letter and a statement of fees. You will need to sign and return the documents in the Student Handbook to confirm your enrolment.
What if my application is unsuccessful?
If your application is unsuccessful you will receive an email from us stating the reasons why you cannot be accepted into the course. The email will also contain details of alternative qualification(s) you might like to consider. If you do not agree with our decision you can appeal it by following our appeals process. For more information please see our Complaints Policy available on our website.
What is a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
The USI is a code made up of 10 numbers and letters which is assigned to individual students and remains with the student for life. The USI is used to create a secure online record of your recognised training and qualifications awarded to you in Australia. You can access your online records by logging in onto the USI portal.
How do I get a USI?
You can create a USI by visiting https://www.usi.gov.au/ and following the instructions provided on the website. If you already have a USI but you cannot remember it, go to https://www.usi.gov.au/faqs/i-have-forgotten-my-usi to recover it.
I already have a USI, what should I do?
When applying for a qualification ensure that you enter your USI correctly.
What happens if I do not have or do not provide a USI?
Without a USI we will not be able to issue you your qualification at the completion of your course. It is Skills Lab’s policy not to process applications where a USI is not provided unless you are an offshore participant.
What documentation do I need to complete to apply for a Skills Lab course?
You will need to complete an application form, a pre-enrolment review and a Language Literacy and Numeracy assessment.
What is a pre-enrolment review?
The Pre-enrolment review is an interview to ask you about your career aspirations, previous academic achievements, and expectations about the qualification you have decided to apply for. We will use the information to ensure to that the qualification you selected is the most appropriate for you.
Why do I need to complete an LLN questionnaire?
The LLN may be used in conjunction with the information included in the pre-enrolment review and the application form to ensure to that the qualification you selected is the most appropriate for you.
Do I need to provide proof of ID as part of the application process?
Yes, you will be required to provide a copy of your Medicare card and Drivers licence as part of your application process.
Do I need to have an Electrical Licence to enrol in any of the Skills Lab qualifications?
Yes, Skills Lab does require you to have a current Electrical Licence to enrol in the following courses:
UEE31220- Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control
- UEE40420 - Certificate IV in Electrical - Instrumentation
- UEE40920 Certificate IV in Industrial Electronics and Control
- UEE43220 - Certificate IV in Industrial Automation and Control

There are a number of prerequisite units of competency that you need to have completed prior to commencing the units in these Skills Lab qualifications that are included in UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (or its equivalent).

What is meant by the terms Entry Requirements, Pre-requisite and Admission Requirements?
- Entry requirements stipulate whether there are any qualifications you must have previously completed in order to gain access to another qualification. They are set by the various Skills Service Organisations and are listed in each training package. Entry requirements are set at qualification level. If you don’t meet entry requirements for a specific qualification then your application cannot be accepted. There are no entry requirements in the UEE11 – Electrotechnology Training Package.
- Pre-requisites are similar to entry requirements but are set at a unit of competency level. Each qualification includes multiple units of competency. In some cases, to start a particular unit of competency you must have already completed another unit of competency. Pre-requisites are also set by the Skills Service Organisation and are listed in the training package.
- Admission requirements are unique to each training provider and detail the profile of the person that can apply for a specific qualification.
What are the accredited units that I could earn via Skills Lab’s short courses?
- Introduction to Automation – UEEIC0013 - Develop, enter and verify discrete control programs for programmable controllers
- Intermediate PLC – UEEIC0015 - Develop, enter and verify word and analogue control programs for programmable logic controllers
- SCADA – UEEIC0014 - Develop, enter and verify programs in Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems
Do I need to have previous work experience to apply for a Diploma Level qualification?
Generally yes, you will need work experience to apply for a Diploma level qualification with Skills Lab.
I have just completed year 12 and I would like to complete a diploma level qualification to gain credits towards a bachelor degree next year. Can I apply?
Possibly – we are working on mapping this to tertiary associate degree and degree level with different Universities.
How will you ensure my privacy?
We understand the importance of protecting the privacy of your personal information. We will not disclose your sensitive information without your consent unless there is a need to disclose this information in accordance with compliance or legislative requirements.
What will the statement of fees include?
The statement of fees will include some key information about your qualification such as the code, title and delivery method and a breakdown of the fees you will have to pay to finalise your enrolment.
When do I need to pay my fees?
You will be required to pay your tuition fees according to your statement of fees.
How can fees be paid?
Payment of course fees may be made by credit card, electronic funds transfer and/or direct debit arrangements.
Do you have a payment plan option?
Yes. This can be negotiated on a case by case basis.
I have paid my fees. When can I commence my course?
This will depend on the course that you have chosen. You will be sent your log in details for our online Learning Management System (LMS) after your fees being received.
Will I receive any reading material before the formal commencement date?
Your reading material and other resources will be provided to you electronically via our Learning Management System (LMS) on course commencement.
Can you provide hard copy of the reading material?
As our learning resources are available online through our Learning Management System, you can also access the content when not connected to the internet.
I have chosen the blended delivery method. Where will the classes take place?
Classes will take place at a Skills Lab training facility in your state.
How will the webinars and our cyber physical training be delivered?
Webinars will be via an online system like Zoom or a similar platform.
What equipment do I need to participate in a webinar?
You can participate in webinars via a laptop, desktop computer, tablet, IPad, IPhone or Android device.
What equipment do I need to participate in cyber physical training?
You will need a good internet connection and ideally two screens and you can be based anywhere.
Is attendance to webinars compulsory?
Attendance is not compulsory but is highly recommended.
How will I be supported throughout my qualification?
We provide various types of support via our Learning Management System (LMS) and the management and administrative staff of Skills Lab.
What if I need additional support to achieve my learning goals?
The Skills Lab application process allows us to identify whether we will need to provide you with additional support to give you the best chance of achieving your learning goals.
Are there costs associated with additional support?
It depends on the type of support required and whether the adjustments to the way the course is delivered and assessed is significant.
How do I submit assessments?
Knowledge based assessments are submitted electronically via our Learning Management System (LMS).
What happens if the assessment is scored “Not Yet Competent”(NYC)?
You will be able to re-submit tasks that have been marked NYC a maximum of three times. If a task is scored “NYC”, you will be provided with detailed feedback from your Trainer and Assessor.
Will I need to pay to resubmit a task?
This will be assessed on a case by case basis.
What is Credit Transfer (CT)?
Credit Transfer allows students to gain credit for units of competency that they have already successfully completed as part of other qualifications.
How do I apply for Credit Transfer?
You can apply for Credit Transfer (CT) by ticking the appropriate box on the enrolment form.
Do Credit Transfer (CT) units need to have exactly the same course code and name as the unit I’m applying for?
In order for you to be granted Credit Transfer, the unit of competency you have completed and the unit of competency you are requesting CT for must have exactly the same code and name.
Do providers have to grant CT for equivalent units?
If the units are deemed equivalent by the Skills Service Organisation and proof of equivalency is available, then we will grant Credit Transfer.
Can I use a qualification issued in another country to claim Credit Transfer?
No, the qualification or Statement of Attainment you use must have been issued by an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Will you check my Statement of Attainment or certificate with the issuing provider?
Yes, if you apply for Credit Transfer we will contact with the provider that issued the Statement of Attainment or qualification to verify its authenticity.
What is RPL?
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is the process of recognising the skills and knowledge you have gained via your work experience, previous qualifications and life experiences.
Is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) a quick an easy process?
RPL is a great way of recognising what you have already learnt.
What is the approach followed by Skills Lab for RPL?
You will be asked to provide a portfolio of workplace documents as evidence to show that you regularly display the skills and knowledge outlined in specific unit of competency.
How do I apply for RPL?
To apply for RPL you need to indicate on your enrolment form that you wish to apply for RPL.
Can I use a qualification issued in another country as evidence of RPL?
Yes, overseas qualifications can be used to support your RPL claim.
Can I use non-accredited qualifications and professional development (PD) sessions as evidence of RPL?
Yes you can. Non-accredited qualifications and PD sessions can be used to support your RPL claim.
What happens if I am not granted RPL?
If you are not granted RPL we will give you a detailed explanation supporting our decision.
My RPL was not successful and I need to do a gap training and assessment. Do I have to pay for this?
Yes. If you need to undertake Gap assessment, you need to pay for training, assessment and administrative costs.
My RPL was not successful and I need to undertake Training and assessment for the whole unit. Do I need to pay for this?
Yes. If you need to undertake training and assessment for the full unit you will need to pay the tuition and administrative costs.