- January is a peak period for compliance training in Australia as businesses reset workforce plans and deal with expired certifications
- Mandatory qualifications typically require renewal every 1-3 years across sectors including construction, hospitality, and community services
- Key required certifications include First Aid & CPR, White Card, Forklift Licence, RSA and RSG
- Employers have legal obligations under workplace health and safety laws to ensure workers are properly trained and licensed
- Short courses can typically be completed in one day, helping businesses maintain compliance while minimising operational disruption
As Australian businesses return from the holiday break and plan for the year ahead, workplace compliance is back in sharp focus, with experts urging employers and workers to ensure mandatory certifications are current, valid and job-ready.
From First Aid and CPR training to Forklift Licensing, construction site White Cards, and responsible service of alcohol and gambling compliance, short course training plays a critical role in meeting legal obligations across the construction, logistics, hospitality, retail and community services sectors.
National Courses director Samuel Bohr said the New Year represented one of the busiest periods for compliance training, as expired certifications, new hires and updated safety expectations converge.
“January is when many businesses reset their workforce plans and safety obligations,” Mr Bohr said.
“It’s also when we see a spike in expired licences and outdated certifications. And the bottom line is, starting the year compliant isn’t just good practice, it’s essential.”
While the New Year brings a sense of renewal, workplace compliance requirements remain constant.
Many mandatory qualifications require renewal every one to three years, and operating without current certification can expose businesses to serious legal and financial risk.
Commonly required short courses include:
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First Aid & CPR - essential across all industries
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White Card - mandatory for construction industry and site access
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Forklift Licence (LF) - required for high-risk machinery operation
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Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) - compulsory in hospitality and events
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Responsible Service of Gambling (RSG) - mandatory in gaming and betting venues
Mr Bohr said employers have a legal duty of care under Australian workplace health and safety laws to ensure workers are appropriately trained, licensed and competent for their roles, and short course training offered a fast and flexible way to meet compliance requirements.
Many courses can be completed in a single day, helping businesses minimise downtime while ensuring workers remain protected and work-ready.
“For job seekers, the New Year is about opportunity. For employers, it’s about preparedness,” Mr Bohr said.
“Short courses bridge that gap, improving safety, boosting employability and reducing risk across Australian workplaces.”
As regulatory scrutiny increases and workplace safety expectations continue to rise, nationally recognised short courses remain a cornerstone of compliance and risk management.
Mr Bohr encouraged employers and individuals to review their certifications early in the year to avoid disruption, delays or non-compliance.
For more information on accredited workplace compliance training, visit nationalcourses.edu.au.
ENDS
About us:
National Courses is a leading provider of accredited short course training programs across Australia. Our focus is face to face learning, affordable pricing and student support.
Contact details:
Samuel Bohr
Director National Courses
Email: [email protected]
Ph: 1300 677 191
Website: https://nationalcourses.edu.au/