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Verification of Competency (VOC)

Verification of Competency (VOC) – What It Is & Why It’s Required

 

A Verification of Competency (VOC), also known as Verification of Current Competency (VOCC), is a workplace assessment used by employers to meet Work Health and Safety (WHS) requirements and confirm that workers can safely and competently operate plant, equipment, or perform specific tasks.

 

Under Australian WHS legislation, employers must not assume competency based on previous licences, training, or experience. Competency must be verified, current, and documented, particularly where high-risk plant or safety-critical activities are involved.

Across many Australian worksites, a VOC is typically required every 24 months, or sooner if:

  • The worker changes role or equipment

  • The workplace or risk profile changes

  • There has been an incident or near miss

  • The employer requires re-verification

 

A VOC conducted by a qualified third-party assessor provides written evidence that an operator has demonstrated the required knowledge, practical skills, and safety awareness to perform their role competently in their current work environment.

 

Why Choose Jorking Training Group for Verification of Competency (VOC)?

Not all VOC assessments deliver the same level of compliance or value. Many providers offer generic, checklist-based VOCs that fail to reflect real-world site conditions or employer requirements.

 

At Jorking Training Group, our Verification of Competency assessments are site-specific, role-specific, and compliance-focused.

 

Our VOC process is tailored to:

  • The individual operator’s experience

  • The exact plant or equipment being used

  • The worksite environment and hazards

  • Current WHS legislation and relevant National Units of Competency

 

We work closely with employers to ensure assessments meet both legal obligations and internal safety standards.

 

VOC Assessment Methods

Depending on your site and operational requirements, our VOC assessments may include:

  • Workplace observation and practical demonstration

  • Knowledge or challenge assessments

  • Equipment-specific competency checks

  • Mystery audits (where required)

  • Custom assessment formats requested by the employer or site controller

All assessments are conducted by industry-experienced assessors with strong practical and regulatory knowledge.

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Verification of Competency (VOC) Services We Offer

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At Jorking Training Group, we provide Verification of Competency (VOC) assessments for a range of high-risk and industrial equipment. All VOCs are conducted in line with Work Health and Safety (WHS) requirements and are tailored to the operator, equipment, and work environment.

 

Forklift Verification of Competency (VOC)

Our Forklift VOC confirms that an operator can safely and competently operate a forklift in their current role and workplace.

Forklift VOCs are commonly required where:

  • A worker holds an existing forklift licence but needs site verification

  • The licence or VOC is older than 24 months

  • The operator is using a different forklift type or attachment

  • The employer requires documented competency for WHS compliance

 

Forklift VOCs assess:

  • Pre-operational checks

  • Safe forklift operation and load handling

  • Traffic management and pedestrian safety

  • Stability, capacity, and hazard awareness

  • Site-specific procedures

 

Reach Stacker Verification of Competency (VOC)

A Reach Stacker VOC verifies that an operator can safely operate reach stackers in high-risk port, logistics, or container-handling environments.

Reach stacker VOCs are essential due to:

  • High load weights and lift heights

  • Complex operating environments

  • Increased risk to personnel, infrastructure, and cargo

 

Our reach stacker VOC assessments are equipment-specific and site-specific, ensuring operators demonstrate:

  • Safe container handling

  • Load stability and capacity awareness

  • Operational controls and emergency procedures

  • Compliance with site rules and traffic plans

 

Walkie Stacker Verification of Competency (VOC)

A Walkie Stacker VOC confirms that an operator can safely use pedestrian-operated or electric walkie stackers in warehouses, retail distribution centres, and confined workspaces.

Walkie stacker VOCs assess:

  • Pre-start inspections

  • Safe pedestrian operation

  • Load handling and stacking

  • Battery and charging safety

  • Awareness of surrounding hazards

These VOCs are particularly important where walkie stackers are used in shared pedestrian environments.

 

Onsite & Facility-Based (Forklift Only) VOC Assessments

We conduct VOC assessments:

  • Onsite at workplaces Australia-wide, or

  • At our Woombye training facility, where a controlled assessment environment is required

All VOCs are delivered by industry-experienced assessors and include clear, written documentation for employer records and WHS compliance.

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Verification of Competency (VOC) Pricing

  • Forklift VOC — from $199

  • Reach Stacker VOC — from $279

  • Walkie Stacker VOC — from $179

 

Book a Verification of Competency (VOC)

Whether you require a Forklift VOC, Reach Stacker VOC, or Walkie Stacker VOC, our team can tailor the assessment to your operational and compliance needs.

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Contact Jorking Training Group today to discuss your VOC requirements.

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