Discussion paper: National Registration Framework for Building Practitioners

I think the response has gone too far, in that it shuts out existing engineering practitioners who have relevant industry experience and good character but may not have an engineering qualification in accordance with the Washington Accord. I have worked in the HVAC Industry as a designer for 30 years, have been registered as a mechanical engineer with VBA for 15 years and will now no longer be able to practice after 2023 if this goes ahead. what provision is being made to cater for reputable operators who have 'grown up' in the industry and will be left high and dry by this legislation?

The regular punter in the street has no idea of the process involved in building design, compliance, etc.

Existing, reputable practitioners, who don't have an engineering degree in line with Washington Accord will be shut out of the industry

Yes i think it will, but education needs to be provided on NCC requirements and changes, via CPD

Level 1 engineering practitioners should include those who have a proven record within industry, even if they do not have an engineering degree in line with the Washington Accord.

For example, I have worked as a designer/engineer for commercial HVAC for the past 30 years, obtained an Associate Diploma in 1995, and have been registered as a Building Practitioner - Mechanical Engineer with VBA in Victoria since 2005. I have kept 40 people employed and have never had a case brought against me. This legislation as it stands will prevent people like me from continuing to work

The description of a level 1 engineer is flawed, and should include those who have existing registration, eg Registered Building Practitioners with VBA, even if their qualification does not align with the Washington Accord.

These people have already shown to the VBA that they are of good character and have relevant training and experience. If they have a good record, allow them to keep operating in their field, applying their experience and knowledge into the industry, particularly as we recover from a Covid recession

The requirements of a level 1 engineer is flawed, and should include those who have existing registration, eg Registered Building Practitioners with VBA, even if their qualification does not align with Washington Accord.

These people have already shown to the VBA that they are of good character and have relevant training and experience. if they have a good record, allow them to keep operating in their field, applying their experience and knowledge into the industry, particularly as we recover from a Covid recession

5 years is a reasonable experience for a graduate engineer to be able to be registered. For those who don't have Washington Accord type qualifications, a period of 15 years in industry, with good record would be beneficial, to enable those operators to continue working in the industry.