Enhancing Vocational Excellence: Advanced Quality Management Systems in VET
In the ever-evolving landscape of Vocational Education and Training (VET), maintaining high standards of quality is not just a regulatory...
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should a trainer / assessor's industry currency be maintained at the qualification or the unit of competency level?
According to the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015, a trainer / assessor must demonstrate current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided. This means that they should maintain their industry currency at the unit of competency level, as each unit defines the specific performance criteria, knowledge evidence and assessment conditions required for competency. Maintaining industry currency at qualification level may not be sufficient to ensure that the trainer / assessor is up to date with the latest practices, technologies and regulations relevant to each unit of competency they deliver or assess. To maintain their industry currency, a trainer / assessor should engage in regular professional development activities, such as participating in industry networks, forums, workshops, conferences, projects, research, or work placements. They should also keep a record of their professional development activities and how they relate to the units of competency they are responsible for.
Q: Can a trainer / assessor work for more than one RTO at the same time?
Yes, there is no restriction on the number of RTOs that a trainer / assessor can be associated with, as long as they meet the requirements of the Standards for RTOs and the relevant training package or accredited course. A trainer / assessor who works for multiple RTOs should ensure that they have a clear understanding of the policies and procedures of each RTO, and that they comply with the quality and consistency requirements of the VET sector. They should also maintain their own records of their training and assessment activities, competencies, qualifications, and professional development, and provide these to the RTOs they work for as required. However, working for multiple RTOs may also pose some challenges or risks, such as conflict of interest, privacy, and intellectual property. A trainer / assessor should be aware of these issues and take appropriate measures to avoid or manage them.
Q: How do I validate the units of competency that I purchased or developed before putting them on scope?
Validation is a quality assurance process that involves checking whether the assessment tools, methods, and processes used to assess learners are valid, reliable, fair, and flexible. It also involves reviewing and comparing the assessment outcomes and judgements against the relevant benchmarks, such as the training package requirements, industry standards, or regulatory frameworks. Validation can be done internally or externally, depending on the purpose and scope of the validation. - Internal validation is conducted by the RTO itself, usually involving the trainers and assessors who are directly involved in the delivery and assessment of the units of competency. - External validation is conducted by an independent party, such as another RTO, an industry expert, or a vocational education and training (VET) consultant, who has no direct involvement or interest in the RTO or the units of competency being validated. According to the Standards for RTOs, an RTO must implement a plan for ongoing systematic validation of its assessment practices and judgements that covers all of its training products within each five-year cycle. The RTO must also document the validation activities and outcomes and use them to inform continuous improvement of its assessment system. Therefore, if you purchased some units of competency from a reputable resource company, you should validate them internally before putting them on scope, and then validate them externally within the five-year cycle. If you developed some units of competency yourself, you should have them validated externally before putting them on scope.
Q: Can I use my RTO code on non accredited training that I deliver?
Non accredited training is any training that does not lead to a nationally recognised qualification or statement of attainment. Examples of non accredited training include short courses, workshops, seminars, or professional development programs that are not aligned to any training package or accredited course. If you deliver non accredited training, you must not use your RTO code or the Nationally Recognised Training (NRT) logo on any marketing materials, certificates, or other documents related to this training. This is to avoid misleading or confusing the learners or the public about the status and recognition of the training. You must also clearly distinguish the non-accredited training from the accredited training that you offer. However, you can still use your RTO name and logo on non-accredited training materials, as long as they are not used in conjunction with the RTO code or the NRT logo. You can also issue a certificate of attendance or completion for non-accredited training, as long as it does not resemble or replicate the certificate or statement of attainment issued for accredited training. The certificate of attendance or completion should clearly state that the training is not accredited and does not lead to a nationally recognised qualification or statement of attainment.
Q: I am trying to compile useful information for a new employee who is new to the RTO world. Where should I start?
Coast Wide Training has curated the VET Foundations course tailored for individuals who are transitioning into or are novices in the RTO and VET sector. This non-accredited program encompasses critical knowledge and abilities requisite for employment within the vocational education and training (VET) landscape. It encapsulates competence units pertinent to: •Understanding the VET framework and its regulatory context •Navigating the requirements of a training package or accredited course •Developing training and assessment materials •Implementing principles and methodologies of adult education •Guiding both individual learners and groups •Engaging in and facilitating assessment validation activities •Assessing the efficacy and outcomes of training and assessments The VET Foundations course is catered to those aiming to embark on or elevate their careers in roles such as training professionals, assessors, curriculum developers, or consultants within the VET domain.
Q: What should we expect from the first renewal 2-year audit?
The first renewal 2-year audit is a regulatory audit by the regulator to check your RTO's compliance with the standards and your RTO's performance and scope. You must apply for your renewal at least 90 days before your registration expiry date, which is two years after your initial registration. You will get a notice from your regulator with the audit date, scope, and mode. You will also need to conduct a self-assessment and provide evidence of your compliance and quality systems. The audit process includes a review of your documents and records, interviews with your staff and students, and observations of your facilities and delivery. The audit may cover some or all of the standards: •Standard 1: Your training and assessment strategies and practices meet the needs of industry and learners and the requirements of training packages and courses. •Standard 2: You have quality assurance processes in place. •Standard 3: You issue, maintain, and accept AQF certification documents and provide learner records. •Standard 4: You provide accurate and accessible information about your RTO, its services, and its performance. •Standard 5: You inform and protect your learners. •Standard 6: You handle complaints and appeals fairly, efficiently, and effectively. •Standard 7: You have effective governance and administration arrangements. •Standard 8: You cooperate with the regulator and comply with the law. After the audit, you will get an audit report with the audit findings, including any non-compliances or areas for improvement. You can respond to the report and provide more evidence or actions within a timeframe. Your regulator will decide on your registration renewal, which may include conditions, sanctions, or cancellation. To prepare for the audit, you should: •Monitor and improve your compliance and quality regularly, such as through internal audits, reviews, surveys, and feedback. •Have a complete and current set of policies, procedures, and records that show how you meet the standards and deliver quality training and assessment. •Have a team of qualified and competent staff who know their roles and responsibilities, and who can show their skills, knowledge, and professional development. •Have a clear and accurate communication strategy that informs and protects your learners and clients, and that follows the marketing and advertising requirements. •Have a robust and fair complaints and appeals process that is accessible and responsive. •Have a sound financial and governance system that ensures your sustainability and legal compliance. •Have a good relationship with your regulator and other authorities, and be ready to provide any information or assistance needed.
Q: As an RTO am I obliged to recognise credit and issue a statement of attainment for stand-alone units?
No – Credit transfer is only relevant where credit contributes to a qualification, course or skill set – credit transfer for single units can be a way for students to manipulate licensing requirements or obscure the origin of non-genuine statements of attainment.
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