National Diploma in Aviation (Safety Management Systems)

A safety management system has been dubbed by many as a business-like approach to managing safety with explicit, comprehensive processes. A safety management system has a number of distinct components: the proactive component “risk management”, an analysis component “accident and incident reporting, analysis and investigation”, an accountability framework and a means to communicate this information around the organisation to enhance the overall safety culture.

The National Diploma in Safety Management Systems (SMS) is designed to provide trainees with the core SMS body of knowledge as well as teaching trainees how to design, develop and effectively implement these practices across their organisation over the course of the program.

This inventive combination of formal education with a practical coaching program through the SMS Incubator™ equips trainees with a solution for SMS implementation that provides more sustainable outcomes than what is achieved through engaging an external consultant.

The qualification is aimed at safety, risk and quality professionals in the aviation industry, who are responsible for developing, implementing or administering an organisation's safety management systems. It is also an ideal training option for those who are starting careers in the field of SMS or are interested in adding SMS to their professional skill-sets.

To achieve this Diploma (Level 5) trainees must achieve eight unit standards including six core and two elective standards. The programme is Delivered through the SMS Incubator™ program over a 22 month period.

This Diploma covers the following training modules:

• Risk Management
  
• Safety Management Systems
  
• SMS Implementation
  
• Safety Assurance
  
• Cultural Development
  

Course Delivery

This course is delivered through a structured SMS Incubator™ incorporating the following learning activities:

Face to Face Training Modules:

Trainees complete three face to face training modules available exclusively through the AIA Training Week Program. These modules are offered three times per year and study is undertaken with a composite class of personnel from industry, the Regulator and academia. Two of the three modules are common to three Diplomas in the National Diploma Series.

SMS Coaching Program:

The SMS coaching program brings trainees together on a monthly basis to participate in web based tutorials. Trainees can participate in these tutorials from the comfort of their home or office and only need access to the internet and telephone. This structured program of coaching walks trainees through the journey of SMS development, implementation and roll out within their own organisations while sharing practices with others on the journey. Each intake on the SMS Incubator™ program is assigned an SMS Coach for the duration of the program. This Coach is available to provide support, advice and review of trainee project work during the program. The SMS Incubator™ is supported by the infrastructure of the Aerosafe ASN Operations Support Centre, which is available 24/7 to trainees.

Workplace application:

All trainees will undertake a workplace based activity to develop, introduce or enhance the organisation’s SMS during the duration of the Diploma program.

Educational Outcomes

On completion of the Diploma, the trainee will possess a broad range of knowledge and skills in SMS including the principles of SMS, the evaluation of existing SMS practices, the implementation or enhancement of SMS and the ongoing maintenance of SMS activities, systems and practices.