Woodside site competency assessment
Woodside Energy Verification of Competency (VOC)
- Per person
- From $325
- Per assessment
- 2 - 3 hours
- AM & PM sessions
- Daily

What is a VOC?
A Verification of Competency (VOC) is typically a combined theory and practical assessment that confirms a worker can safely and competently operate a specific item of plant or equipment, or perform a task to the required standard.
A VOC is for workers who already hold the relevant units of competency and/or high risk work licences. Rather than training a licence from scratch, it essentially “verifies” that their existing skills are current, checking them against a set competency standard, often a particular site’s requirements, so they can be cleared to operate on site.
Woodside VOC: what you need to know
A Woodside Energy VOC is a site-specific verification of competency required for workers at Woodside's Western Australian onshore gas and LNG facilities. These assessments are tailored to Woodside's unique operational procedures, safety systems, and equipment standards used across facilities including Karratha Gas Plant (KGP), Pluto LNG, and the North West Shelf Venture.
Woodside VOCs go beyond standard national qualifications by incorporating Woodside-specific safety protocols, process plant hazard awareness, and operational requirements. A Woodside Forklift VOC, for example, doesn't just test basic forklift operation. It assesses a worker's knowledge of Woodside's site-specific safety rules, permit-to-work systems, and operational standards that apply within an active LNG and gas processing environment.
These VOCs are mandatory for site access and contractor employment at Woodside facilities. Workers must hold current Woodside VOCs for any high-risk work activities they will be performing, whether operating lifting equipment, working at heights, or conducting rigging, dogging, or scaffolding activities within process plant areas.
Woodside VOCs typically have a validity period of 2 years, after which a renewal assessment is required. STES assesses workers directly against the current Woodside competency checklists and, where access permits, conducts assessments onsite at the Woodside facility using the site's own equipment.
Woodside Energy VOC
From$325/ assessment
Monday – Friday
Morning 8:00am – 12:00pm
Afternoon 12:30pm – 4:00pm
Valid for 2 years
Results on the day
27 Sphinx Way, Bibra Lake
Onsite at your Woodside facility also available
Woodside VOC types we assess
We conduct competency assessments across the plant and equipment categories required by Woodside Energy at their Karratha Gas Plant, Pluto LNG and North West Shelf facilities.
| VOC Type |
|---|
| Woodside Energy Forklift (LF) Verification of Competency (VOC)LF-VOC-WELBook now$325 per Assessment |
| Woodside Energy Elevated Work Platform (EWP) Verification of Competency (VOC)WP-VOC-WELBook now$325 per Assessment |
| Woodside Energy Dogging (DG) Verification of Competency (VOC)DG-VOC-WELBook now$325 per Assessment |
| Woodside Energy Rigging Basic (RB) Verification of Competency (VOC)RG-VOC-WELBook now$325 per Assessment |
| Woodside Energy Rigging Intermediate (RI) Verification of Competency (VOC)RG-VOC-WELBook now$325 per Assessment |
| Woodside Energy Rigging Advanced (RA) Verification of Competency (VOC)RG-VOC-WELBook now$325 per Assessment |
| Woodside Energy Scaffolding Basic (SB) Verification of Competency (VOC)SF-VOC-WELBook now$325 per Assessment |
| Woodside Energy Scaffolding Intermediate (SI) Verification of Competency (VOC)SF-VOC-WELBook now$325 per Assessment |
| Woodside Energy Scaffolding Advanced (SA) Verification of Competency (VOC)SF-VOC-WELBook now$325 per Assessment |
Why choose STES for your Woodside VOC?
Daily AM & PM sessions
Morning or afternoon slots every day.
After-hours available
Evening and weekend bookings on request.
Short notice available
Tight deadline? We can often fit you in fast.
Specialist equipment on short notice
Specific plant sourced quickly when you need it.
Fast turnaround
Same-day turnaround, with expedited documentation on request.
Onsite at your Woodside facility
We travel to Karratha and Perth-based Woodside sites.
How our Woodside VOC assessments work
From first contact to receiving your Woodside competency record, here's what to expect when working with STES.
01
Enquire & book
Contact us with the Woodside site, equipment type, and number of workers. We'll confirm the applicable Woodside competency checklist and availability, short-notice bookings are available.
02
Pre-assessment check
Workers provide evidence of their HRW licence (where applicable) and any prior Woodside training. Our assessor reviews documentation and confirms the correct Woodside checklist version.
03
Theory & practical assessment
Each worker first completes a short theory examination to test their knowledge of the equipment and Woodside site requirements. They then perform a practical assessment while our assessor observes them against the Woodside competency checklist, onsite at your Woodside facility where possible.
04
Result & record
Competent workers receive a signed Woodside VOC record on the day. Records are stored in our RTO management system and can be provided to Woodside site management on request.
About the Woodside competency standard
Woodside Energy operates some of Australia's most complex LNG and gas processing infrastructure. Their competency requirements reflect the unique hazard profile and operational standards of an active process plant environment.
Site-specific checklists
Woodside uses detailed, equipment-specific competency checklists that go beyond the national HRW licence standard. Each checklist reflects the actual hazards, procedures and equipment configurations across Woodside's onshore gas facilities.
Assessed to Woodside standards
STES assesses workers directly against the current Woodside competency checklist for each equipment type. We do not use generic VOC tools. Every assessment is mapped to the Woodside framework.
Onsite where possible
Wherever access permits, we conduct assessments at the Woodside facility using the site's own equipment. This gives the most accurate picture of a worker's readiness to operate safely within an active LNG or gas processing environment.
Records available to site management
Competency records are stored in our RTO management system and can be provided to Woodside site management, contractors or HR teams on request to support mobilisation and induction.
Frequently asked questions: Woodside VOC
What is a Woodside VOC?
A Woodside Energy Verification of Competency is a theory and practical assessment that confirms a worker can safely operate plant or equipment to Woodside's specific site standards at their onshore gas and LNG facilities. It is separate from and in addition to any nationally recognised HRW licence the worker holds, and reflects the unique hazard environment of LNG and gas processing operations.
Do I need an HRW licence before a Woodside VOC?
For equipment that requires a High Risk Work (HRW) licence, such as cranes, rigging, dogging and scaffolding, yes, you must hold the current licence before a VOC can be issued. For plant categories like EWP (Yellow Card), TMH and light vehicles, an HRW licence is not legally required, but the Woodside VOC is still needed before operating on Woodside sites.
How long is a Woodside VOC valid for?
Woodside VOCs typically have a validity period of 2 years, after which a renewal assessment is required. Always confirm the current validity period with your Woodside site supervisor or contractor management before mobilising, as Woodside periodically reviews their competency requirements.
Can STES conduct the VOC at our Woodside facility?
Yes, we travel to Woodside facilities in Karratha and Perth to conduct VOC assessments on your equipment. Onsite assessment is preferred where possible, as it allows workers to be assessed on the actual machines they will operate in their working environment.
Which Woodside competency checklist does STES assess against?
We assess against the current Woodside competency checklists for each equipment type. Where Woodside has updated a checklist, we use the current version. We recommend contacting us before booking to confirm the applicable checklist for your specific Woodside site and equipment.
What happens if a worker does not pass?
The assessor will provide specific feedback on the gaps observed. The worker can undertake additional practice or training and book a re-assessment. Our goal is to ensure genuine competency, not to create unnecessary barriers to site access.
Ready to book a Woodside VOC?
We travel to Woodside facilities in Karratha and Perth, with short-notice bookings available. Contact us with your equipment type, site, and number of workers, we'll confirm the current Woodside checklist and get you booked in.