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Impact of NQC decision re rules relating to Training Packages

In December 2009 the National Quality Council (NQC) approved a range of measures that focus on the rules about the content of Training Package qualifications and the ways an individual learner or an employer can choose which units are ‘packaged’ together to meet the requirements for a VET qualification

See National_Quality_Council_communique.pdf

These changes include:

 ONE THIRD or more of total units required to gain a VET qualification will be ELECTIVES.

The choice of ELECTIVE units can be broadened, to allow ONE SIXTH of total units to be included from other qualifications in a Training Package, other Training Packages and accredited courses.

Licensed and trade occupations will be exempt from these measures.

All units will be called either CORE or ELECTIVE. Recommended combinations of electives for particular specialisations will be presented as GROUPS.

 

Timelines:

 

The changes will be implemented throughout 2010. While the major policy decisions have been made, practical aspects of implementation will be worked through with State Training Authorities and Industry Skills Councils. The NQC will provide opportunities for stakeholders both within VET and in industry to be involved in implementation issues.

 

 The broad timeline for 2010 announced:

 

  • January 1 – 31 March 2010: Transition period for applying new packaging rules to new Training Packages.
  • March 31 2010: Analysis of all Training Package qualifications showing which meet new packaging rules and a work plan to rectify those that don’t.
  • June 30 2010: Training Package qualifications in high enrolment areas will comply with new qualification packaging rules.
  • December 31 2010: All other Training Package qualifications will comply with new qualification packaging rules.

Your feedback is required to insure the quality and integrity of qualifictions are maintained. Please visit the Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council website to submit your feedback.

The CS & H Industrry Training Board has expressed it’s high level of concern regarding the negative impact on the Community Services and Health workforce.  It has been through extensive industry consultation at both a National and State level, that the construction of qualifications were developed.  Throughout the industry consultations, the clear message from many sectors was the need for a tight framework for their qualifications.   Consequently the qualifications were constructed to reflect a consistent skills base which is evident in the design of qualifications.  The number of “compulsory” units of competency in relation to a smaller number of electives, in certain qualifications, was an overt strategy to secure a commonality of skills across the Industry.

 Introducing a mix whereby one third of all units must be electives will severely curtail the consistency of the skills and knowledge base required by our industries.  Further, we are concerned that in may instances, the elective units will not be determined by industry on a needs basis but rather by RTOs on a cost basis.

The impact is apparent in many qualifications in both the Health and Community Services Training Packages, and I highlight the following qualification merely to serve as example:

  • Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol and other drugs)