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⌂ ▸ Study with Sigma Aerospace College ▸ Study Modes (RPL, Workplace, Face-to-Face)

Workplace Or RPL

Study
Modes

For AQF qualifications we deliver in two main ways: workplace delivery and RPL with gap training. We also run short courses, category training and type training that can be online, face-to-face, or blended.

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Licensing outcomes RPL & gap training Workplace delivery Face-to-face & short courses

Built for working aircraft engineers

Same outcome. Different delivery.

Aircraft maintenance doesn’t pause for block release. Our delivery modes are designed for engineers who are already in the environment, while keeping assessment tight and defensible. Evidence is mapped, verified, and signed off by qualified assessors.

RPL with gap training

For experienced engineers. We assess prior learning against each unit and only train and test the gaps. Your practical evidence comes from real work on operating aircraft.

Workplace delivery

For apprentices, trainees and employer cohorts. You get a structured training plan, regular check-ins, and practical progression in the workplace with an approved supervisor.

Training plans match the mode

Workplace delivery uses a formal Training Plan with sequencing and milestones. RPL and gap training starts with an Initial Training Needs Report, then we configure a personalised learning plan in the LMS.

Understanding Modes

How study modes and licensing fit together

Pathway to licensing involves two things: proving AQF competency for a qualification, and meeting CASA knowledge requirements for a licence. Good training does both, in the right order – and there’s multiple paths to get there.

RPL and Gap training
Assess what you already do, then close only the gaps: RPL is formal assessment against the full unit requirements. You’ll receive an initial report showing what’s fully recognised based on precedents, and where you need to upload specific past evidence against requirements. Knowledge gaps are handled with targeted knowledge assessments.
Workplace Delivery
A structured training plan with verified workplace evidence: Apprentices and trainees progress through a planned sequence with defined milestones. Practical evidence is gathered on real aircraft tasks, supported by supervisors and validated by Sigma assessors.
Face-to-face and Short Courses
Some skills are faster and safer to build in a controlled environment. Certain employers call upon us to deliver face-to-face blocks and short courses to build capability where workplace exposure is limited or where a team needs standardised upskilling.
The additional support provided in this course was vastly better than I’ve experienced before.
The additional support provided in this course was vastly better than I’ve experienced before. The RPL guidance, practice quizzes, clear email communication, and exam instructions all made the process smooth and stress-free. I would absolutely recommend training with Sigma to my friends. The support, resources, and instruction were excellent and made the course a great experience.
Ryan – TP Aerospace

RPL without Shortcuts

Recognition of Prior Learning with targeted gap training for engineers who already do the job.

RPL is a formal assessment process. We map your evidence to every requirement in each unit. If something is missing, you complete a focused knowledge gap assessment or provide additional verified workplace evidence.

You’ll start with an Initial Training Needs Report (CASA refers to this as an ‘Initial RPL Report’) that makes the pathway clear. We then configure your LMS learning plan around your gaps, not a generic sequence.

If your goal includes a Part 66 licence outcome, we keep it clean: AQF competency first, then CASA module exams under approved invigilation.

Best for experienced engineers with current access to operating aircraft tasks. Not available to student visa holders.

RPL Process for Aircraft Engineers
One of the best parts of Sigma, they keep up.
Bruce taking calls well after work hours and replying to emails late at night was a true show of Sigma’s dedication to education and training in aviation. In the world of GA, it’s hard to find the time to spend an hour or two on the phone during work so after hour calls were greatly appreciated. One of the best parts of Sigma, they keep up. At the time of writing this, I probably would had still been waiting on my RPL report had I gone with my original plan.
John – Jetfix Avionics Toowoomba

Workplace Delivery

Apprenticeships, traineeships and structured workplace programs with real oversight.

Theory is delivered online with scheduled sessions and direct instructor support. Practical skills are trained and evidenced in your workplace with an approved supervisor, using unit-specific checklists and logbooks, and we visit regularly.

Competency decisions are made by Sigma assessors. Where observation or verification is needed, we visit the workplace for support, logbook review, and assessment activity. And remember – progression through an apprenticeship or traineeship is competency-based, not time served, or a box-ticking exercise.

Best for apprentices, trainees and operators who want consistency without pulling people off the floor.

Apprenticeships & Traineeships
The learning materials were clear, well-structured and highly practical.
The learning materials were clear, well-structured and highly practical. The organisation within the LMS, where each [unit and module] contained its relevant documentation in dedicated PDF format rather than being grouped into a single general resource section, significantly reduced research time and avoided unnecessary rework. This structure made the process more efficient, streamlined evidence preparation, and allowed me to focus on competency demonstration rather than document navigation.
Rodrigo Sestrem

Face-to-face and Short courses

Practical time, focused upskilling, and programs built for hangar reality.

Some outcomes are faster face-to-face: trade readiness, practical troubleshooting habits, and aircraft-specific training. We run a range of hands-on  programs such as the Aeroskills Industry Readiness (AIR) program, designed to prepare individuals for work in aircraft maintenance.

Additionally, we can create a range of face-to-face programs to meet industry need in terms of refresher training, for example Human Factors, Aviation Legislation, and Mental Health.

Browse short courses
Tell us your starting point. We’ll tell you the right mode.
Send your current role, location, previous training and any licence status. We’ll map the study mode, units and exams you actually need, without guesswork.
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