What is CTW (Competency to Work) and How Do You Manage It Digitally?
Introduction
In high-risk industries like mining, construction, logistics and heavy manufacturing, one mistake from an unqualified worker can shut down operations — or worse. That’s why CTW — Competency to Work — exists.
But CTW isn’t just a tick-box or induction. It’s proof that a worker is trained, qualified, authorised and currently fit to perform a task safely.
This article explains:
👉 What CTW actually means
👉 CTW vs VoC — what’s the difference?
👉 Why spreadsheets and emails don’t work for CTW management
👉 How a digital system like RSURED automates and proves compliance
What is CTW (Competency to Work)?
Competency to Work (CTW) is the ability of a worker to safely and legally perform a role, task or operate specific plant or equipment.
It includes:
✅ Required training and qualifications
✅ Proof of competency (e.g. Certificate, Licence, High Risk Work Ticket)
✅ Verification of Competency (VoC)
✅ Medical or fitness to work requirements
✅ Site-specific inductions and procedures
In simple terms — CTW answers the question: "Is this person allowed and able to do this job right now?"
CTW vs VoC – What’s the Difference?
| Term | Meaning | When It’s Used |
|---|---|---|
| CTW – Competency to Work | Overall compliance to perform a role/task. Includes training, tickets, medicals, site rules. | Before accessing site or starting a role. |
| VoC – Verification of Competency | Practical assessment to prove the person can actually do the task safely. | After training, before operating equipment. |
👉 Think of CTW as the licence to be on the job. VoC is the proof you can actually do it.
Why Managing CTW is Hard (and Risky) in Spreadsheets
Most businesses start with Excel, folders, and someone in HR or HSE updating a matrix manually.
That system breaks as soon as:
💠You have more than 20 workers or multiple sites
💠Contractors come and go
💠Licences expire unexpectedly
💠Regulators or auditors ask for proof
And the biggest risk?
You don’t know someone is non-compliant… until it’s too late.
How Digital CTW Management Works in RSURED
RSURED automates CTW from start to finish — no spreadsheets, no manual tracking.
✅ 1. Define Requirements Once
- Set CTW requirements per role, site, contractor type or plant
- Assign mandatory training, licences, VoC and medical checks
✅ 2. Add Personnel or Contractors
- System automatically applies the right CTW requirements
✅ 3. Live Compliance Matrix
- Shows each worker as: ✅ Compliant | ⚠ Pending | ❌ Non-Compliant
- Filters by site, company, role, contractor, expiry date
✅ 4. Automatic Alerts & Actions
- Upcoming expiry reminders (30/60/90 days)
- Immediate flags when someone becomes non-compliant
- Triggers actions for reassessment, retraining or suspension
✅ 5. Built-in Reporting & Dashboards
- CTW expiry matrix
- Workforce readiness by role/site
- Contractor workforce compliance
- Audit-ready evidence — who approved, when, and what proof was uploaded
What Happens When You Don’t Manage CTW Properly?
💠 Unqualified worker causes incident → legal exposure
💠 Regulator asks for records → you can’t prove compliance
💠 Insurance claims rejected
💠 Shutdowns, fines and licence suspensions
💠 Loss of contracts due to failed prequalification audits
Benefits of Digital CTW Management
| Benefit | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Real-time workforce compliance | No surprises at the gate or during audits |
| Zero spreadsheets | Everything in one system, always up to date |
| Audit-ready evidence | Approved, timestamped and stored securely |
| Contractor control | Only qualified contractors get on site |
| Automated reminders | No expired licences slipping through |
| Legal and regulator confidence | Demonstrates due diligence |
Final Word
CTW isn’t just a training record — it’s proof that your workforce is safe, competent and legally compliant.
If CTW is still buried in spreadsheets, emails or shared drives, you're accepting unnecessary risk.
Digital CTW systems like RSURED give you confidence, traceability and control.