Group Training Association of Victoria Members Presentation Prepared and presented by James Nash 25 th February, 2015

VET Industry News New VET Standards (Standards for RTO’s 2015) have been approved for all ASQA providers and existing RTO’s must transition to the new standards by 1 st April, Standards are available on the comlaw website ( User Guide is available on the ASQA website: ( Copyright © 2015 Nash Training Services

VET Industry News Many changes including: – NSSC (National Skills Standards Council) – AQF Council (now the Department of Education holds responsibilities) – VET Reform Taskforce / COAG / Skills Council – USI implementation in 2015 – VET Sector now under the Department of Education & Training – Review of quality assurance in Victoria’s VET system (due in April) Copyright © 2015 Nash Training Services

Standards for RTO’s 2015 These new standards come into effect for existing RTOs on 1 April They are structured differently, but in many respects are no different to the previous Standards. However, there is a greater emphasis on the following aspects: – Duration of courses – Industry engagement – Assessment – Validation and moderation – Assessors – Marketing – Student Information – Use of third parties for delivery and assessment – There is also one new issue, and that relates to the requirements regarding the Unique Student Identifier Copyright © 2015 Nash Training Services

Standards for RTO’s 2015 Volume of Learning The Standards now specify that the duration of courses should reflect the “Volume of Learning” as specified in the Australian Qualifications Framework, unless a shorter period can be justified based on the existing knowledge and skills of learners. It is also suggested that additional hours to meet the AQF requirements may include unsupervised learning and assessment time. Copyright © 2015 Nash Training Services

Standards for RTO’s 2015 Certificate I Certificate II Certificate III Certificate IV Diploma Advanced Diploma Graduate Certificate Graduate Diploma 0.5 – 1 year 1 – 2 years 0.5 – 2 years 1 – 2 years 1.5 – 2 years 0.5 – 1 year1 – 2 years 600 – 1200 hours 1200 – 2400 hours 600 – 2400 hours 1200 – 2400 hours 1800 – 2400 hours 600 – 1200 hours 1200 – 2400 hours Copyright © 2015 Nash Training Services These indicators are considered to be a starting point only and many factors can affect the amount of training required. The important part of Volume of Learning is Industry Engagement to support the course duration.

Standards for RTO’s 2015 Industry Engagement These Standards provide more specific information on the requirements in regard to industry engagement. RTOs must be able to demonstrate that they have used information from industry or employers to: – Design strategies for training and assessment – Identify and/or develop suitable learning materials – Identify appropriate methods of assessment – Develop suitable assessment tools – Identify the skills and knowledge required by its trainers and assessors – Monitor the delivery and assessment of its programs Copyright © 2015 Nash Training Services

Standards for RTO’s 2015 Assessment Whilst the requirements for assessments have not altered, the requirements are more specifically stated with reference to the requirements of the Principles of Assessment and the Rules of Evidence. The one major difference is that the new Standards refer to the RTO implementing an “assessment system” which would include not only assessment tools, but also policies, procedures and other documents related to the assessment processes used within the RTO Copyright © 2015 Nash Training Services

Standards for RTO’s 2015 Validation and Moderation The 2015 Standards place a much greater emphasis on validation and moderation of assessments. All units must be validated at least once over a five year cycle, with at least 50% being validated in the first three years of the cycle Validation can only be undertaken by person(s) who do not deliver or assess the unit being validated for the RTO. The validator(s) must collectively have: – Vocational competencies and current industry skills relevant to the unit being validated – Current knowledge and skills in vocational teaching, learning and assessment – The Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or the Assessor skills Set (TAESS00001) Validation must also include moderation of a “statistically significant number of marked assessments” Copyright © 2015 Nash Training Services

Standards for RTO’s 2015 Trainer & Assessor requirements There is little change here, except that from 2016 all trainers must hold the TAE40110 (supervision will no longer be an option), and demonstrated equivalence will not suffice There are additional requirements if you are a trainer delivering and assessing TAE qualifications. Trainer and assessors are now required to undertake Professional Development activities in both the relevant industry they are training and assessing, and also from a VET Industry point of view. Copyright © 2015 Nash Training Services

Standards for RTO’s 2015 Marketing All information in marketing material (including the RTO’s website) or provided to learners must include: – The RTO name and RTO code – The title and code of any qualification or unit referred to in the documents Use of third parties for delivery and assessment There is a much more stringent process where a RTO permits another organisation to market, deliver, or assess its courses on behalf of the RTO. Copyright © 2015 Nash Training Services

Standards for RTO’s 2015 Student Information The new Standards are more prescriptive in regard to the information to be provided to learners prior to enrolment. This required information includes estimated durations, delivery locations, modes of delivery, third party details, and any work placement arrangements. Unique Student identifier From 1 January 2015, RTOs are not permitted to issue qualifications or statements of attainment to learners unless the student’s USI has been provided to the RTO. The RTO is required to include the USI in the student information on its Student Management System. Single Day Training For training activity before 1 January 2016, training organisations delivering single day training courses will be permitted to issue a VET qualification or a VET statement of attainment to students who have not been able to provide a USI before completion of training. Copyright © 2015 Nash Training Services

The Audit Process Those who have been through an audit understand the implications behind having identified non-compliances. This takes time, money, and can cause stress and pressures that can be avoided. ASQA rules require rectification within 20 working days VRQA require a plan for rectification and evidence to be supplied as required. Copyright © 2015 Nash Training Services

Common Audit Faults Continue to see issues surrounding the following: – Strategies for training and assessment – Trainer files – Assessment instruments – Incorrect implementation of delivery and assessment plans Copyright © 2015 Nash Training Services

Questions Copyright © 2015 Nash Training Services

If you require any further information on possible consultancy services or assistance for your RTO please feel free to contact James. Copyright © 2015 Nash Training Services RTO Registration Advice Extension to Scope preparation Internal Audits (Standards for RTO’s 2015 / AQTF / VRQA Guidelines / CRICOS / Government Funding) RTO Policies & Procedures Professional Development sessions Pre-audit or Compliance Support Validation Activities Accreditation of Curriculum Advice Training Package Information Services across all industry sectors Funded Training Programs James Nash Mobile: Website: