More Choice in Training Packages
Monday 1st February 2010
Changes to lead to greater training package choices At its last meeting of 2009, the National Quality Council (NQC) approved a range of measures that will respond to requests from industry, employers and learners for more choice and greater flexibility in training packages. The changes flow from the VET Products for the 21st Century Report, which was the culmination of more than 12 months joint work by the NQC and the Council of Australian Governments. The NQC decisions 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. The major 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. The changes will result in: More choice: electives can be chosen from a broader range of units; meaning Registered Training Organisations will be able to offer learners and employers more choice to cover their specific needs, from within and outside their industry area. Greater consistency: the qualification requirements within and across industry areas will be easier to understand and simpler to identify. More responsiveness: the new qualification packaging rules enable people to include a range of other elective units that meet their current and future skill needs. 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 includes: 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. More details on the VET Products for the 21st Century Project, including further work on streamlining Training Packages, will be available early in 2010. For more information visit www.nqc.tvetaustralia.com.au This page was generated on 29 January, 2010 Newsletter menu Latest news Current edition Previous editions Subscribe Update subscription Unsubscribe Popular topics ...view all topics building and construction coag construction induction electrical high risk work licensing liquor national licensing nsw qld sa training packages training resources vet vic waBack to News
