A small change was made in this policy to clarify that the vocational mapping document in reference in the policy is the MEGT Vocational Mapping template, the change is on page 6 under induction.
"The profession that creates all other professions"
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Professional Development Policy and Procedure
A small change was made in this policy to clarify that the vocational mapping document in reference in the policy is the MEGT Vocational Mapping template, the change is on page 6 under induction.
ACT Education Directorate
News
The Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) is progressively reviewing the structure and membership of each IRC and is keen to hear your views about the IRC that is best placed to represent your industry. You can register via the AISC website to receive updates on the progress of the review of a particular IRC.
The AISC has re-launched its website.
ACT Training Awards Ticket Sales Open
14 Jul 2016
14 Jul 2016
Tickets are now available for the 2016 ACT Training Awards presentation event and gala dinner.
The submission window for reporting RTO activity data for the June 2016 quarter closes in three days on 15 July 2016.
Smart and Skilled Application Delayed
The Department has advised of and apologised for a need to delay the opening date of the application to deliver Smart and Skilled training in 2017.
It was planned to have been possible from today (11 July) but is expected to now be available later in July.
Updated information will be shared with members once known.
Further information is available or from the Training Market Customer Support centre via smartandskilled.application@industry.nsw.gov.au or 02 9266 8008 between 8.30am and 4.30pm weekdays.
Policy of the Month
This policy has been developed to ensure MEGT Education provides the services detailed in their agreement with the clients and in accordance with clients’ expectations and needs. It also ensures MEGT Education has appropriate methods to continuously improve client services by collecting, analysing and acting on relevant data.
Strengthened communications protocols between Victorian Government and ASQA
27 July 2016
Strengthened communications protocols between the Victorian Government and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) will bolster information sharing between the agencies and assist in identifying poor quality training providers earlier.
Strengthened communications protocols between the Victorian Government and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) will bolster information sharing between the agencies and assist in identifying poor quality training providers earlier.
ASQA is introducing a suite of procedural improvements
19 July 2016
As part of the move to increasingly risk-based and proportionate regulation, ASQA is introducing a suite of procedural improvements relating to how we conduct audits and make decisions.
These include:
This approach seeks to streamline regulatory processes for the majority of registered training organisations, while more effectively targeting the small percentage of providers that consistently exhibit poor outcomes, practices and behaviours.
Earlier publication of regulatory decisions
The revised policy regarding publication of ASQA’s regulatory decisions was implemented from 1 July 2016. ASQA now publishes information about decisions to www.asqa.gov.au shortly after the decisions are made (rather than after all appeal options have been exhausted).
To ensure procedural fairness, information published about ASQA’s regulatory decisions includes a summary of the review options available to providers.
Changes to ASQA’s decision-making processes
From 1 August 2016, if ASQA identifies highly concerning non-compliance by a provider, ASQA’s Commissioners will make the decision jointly.
Joint decisions will be identified through analysis of a range of factors, including:
how serious the impact of the decision may be on the VET industry and its reputation, and
whether ASQA has identified serious concerns about the provider in question.
If a decision is made jointly by ASQA’s Commissioners, a review of that decision can only be made by an external authority (such as the Administrative Appeals Tribunal). In these cases, the provider cannot apply for an internal ASQA reconsideration of the decision.
The term ‘compliance audit’ refers to post-initial audits, or audits undertaken on the basis of identified risk (including those undertaken as the result of complaints).
When providing a compliance audit report, if ASQA has found non-compliance, we may either:
issue the RTO with a written direction, requiring you to take a certain action
issue the RTO with a ‘Notice of intent to impose administrative sanction’, or
in exceptional circumstances, impose one or more sanctions on the RTO without prior notice.
At present, if an RTO is found non-compliant at a compliance audit, in most instances ASQA will give the RTO the opportunity to submit rectification evidence before issuing a notice of intent.
From 1 August 2016, if a compliance audit identifies highly concerning non-compliances, your RTO may be issued with a ‘Notice of intent to impose administrative sanction’. You may then have a period of up to 20 working days to respond to the notice and submit any supporting evidence before a decision is made.
This change aligns ASQA’s approach to compliance audits with the existing approach to application audits.
RTOs’ rights to natural justice before a final decision to impose a sanction are not affected by this change in approach.
If ASQA identifies non-compliances that are not considered serious during a compliance or application audit, ASQA may issue the provider with a written direction, requiring it to:
address the non-compliances within a specified period, and
retain evidence that this has occurred.
In such cases, ASQA may finalise the audit at this point and approve any relevant applications. The RTO is not required to respond to the direction. ASQA will examine the RTO’s compliance with the written direction at a future audit and/or during other regulatory activity.
ASQA is currently developing a more proactive and risk-based audit model that places a much stronger focus on the actual practices and behaviours of providers, with a reduced emphasis on systems and processes. The scope and scale of audits will be informed by a wider range of sources, including data and information received from students, industry and other agencies and ASQA’s profile of each provider.
The new model will take a more holistic view and focus on following the ‘journey’ of a student through their engagement with a provider. Through this model, providers will be more accountable for redressing harm caused by non-compliance.
The new audit model will be piloted in the second half of 2016, with full implementation in early 2017.
More information on ASQA’s revised audit model will be published on www.asqa.gov.au in the coming months.
As part of the move to increasingly risk-based and proportionate regulation, ASQA is introducing a suite of procedural improvements relating to how we conduct audits and make decisions.
These include:
- Earlier publication of regulatory decisions (as previously advised)
- Changes to ASQA’s decision-making processes
- Changes to the audit process
- Development of a new audit model.
This approach seeks to streamline regulatory processes for the majority of registered training organisations, while more effectively targeting the small percentage of providers that consistently exhibit poor outcomes, practices and behaviours.
Earlier publication of regulatory decisions
The revised policy regarding publication of ASQA’s regulatory decisions was implemented from 1 July 2016. ASQA now publishes information about decisions to www.asqa.gov.au shortly after the decisions are made (rather than after all appeal options have been exhausted).
To ensure procedural fairness, information published about ASQA’s regulatory decisions includes a summary of the review options available to providers.
Changes to ASQA’s decision-making processes
From 1 August 2016, if ASQA identifies highly concerning non-compliance by a provider, ASQA’s Commissioners will make the decision jointly.
Joint decisions will be identified through analysis of a range of factors, including:
how serious the impact of the decision may be on the VET industry and its reputation, and
whether ASQA has identified serious concerns about the provider in question.
If a decision is made jointly by ASQA’s Commissioners, a review of that decision can only be made by an external authority (such as the Administrative Appeals Tribunal). In these cases, the provider cannot apply for an internal ASQA reconsideration of the decision.
Changes to the audit process
Process for responding to non-compliance found at a compliance audit
The term ‘compliance audit’ refers to post-initial audits, or audits undertaken on the basis of identified risk (including those undertaken as the result of complaints).
When providing a compliance audit report, if ASQA has found non-compliance, we may either:
issue the RTO with a written direction, requiring you to take a certain action
issue the RTO with a ‘Notice of intent to impose administrative sanction’, or
in exceptional circumstances, impose one or more sanctions on the RTO without prior notice.
Process for issuing a notice of intent after a compliance audit
At present, if an RTO is found non-compliant at a compliance audit, in most instances ASQA will give the RTO the opportunity to submit rectification evidence before issuing a notice of intent.
From 1 August 2016, if a compliance audit identifies highly concerning non-compliances, your RTO may be issued with a ‘Notice of intent to impose administrative sanction’. You may then have a period of up to 20 working days to respond to the notice and submit any supporting evidence before a decision is made.
This change aligns ASQA’s approach to compliance audits with the existing approach to application audits.
RTOs’ rights to natural justice before a final decision to impose a sanction are not affected by this change in approach.
Process for issuing written directions after a compliance or application audit
If ASQA identifies non-compliances that are not considered serious during a compliance or application audit, ASQA may issue the provider with a written direction, requiring it to:
address the non-compliances within a specified period, and
retain evidence that this has occurred.
In such cases, ASQA may finalise the audit at this point and approve any relevant applications. The RTO is not required to respond to the direction. ASQA will examine the RTO’s compliance with the written direction at a future audit and/or during other regulatory activity.
Development of a new audit model
ASQA is currently developing a more proactive and risk-based audit model that places a much stronger focus on the actual practices and behaviours of providers, with a reduced emphasis on systems and processes. The scope and scale of audits will be informed by a wider range of sources, including data and information received from students, industry and other agencies and ASQA’s profile of each provider.
The new model will take a more holistic view and focus on following the ‘journey’ of a student through their engagement with a provider. Through this model, providers will be more accountable for redressing harm caused by non-compliance.
The new audit model will be piloted in the second half of 2016, with full implementation in early 2017.
More information on ASQA’s revised audit model will be published on www.asqa.gov.au in the coming months.
New asqanet available in August
11 July 2016
At the moment, ASQA’s web portal is limited to providing online VET application services for applicant and existing RTOs.
ASQA is currently finalising the development of its new asqanet web portal, which will provide a number of enhanced and new services when it is released in August, with additional services being added later in the year.
When released, the new asqanet will provide services for:
All existing users of ASQA’s web portal will need to register to use the new asqanet. This process is to ensure that your corporate information remains secure and confidential. RTOs will be notified in advance before the requirement comes into place.
When the new asqanet is available, there will be a restriction on the number of users that can access the web portal at same time. This is to ensure performance is not affected by all ASQA RTOs and CRICOS providers registering to explore the new web portal on day one. If the maximum number of users are already on the web portal when you attempt to register or login, you will receive a message to try again later.
We will be issuing more information about the new asqanet in the coming weeks, so please ensure your RTO’s details are up to date to make sure you receive this important information.
At the moment, ASQA’s web portal is limited to providing online VET application services for applicant and existing RTOs.
ASQA is currently finalising the development of its new asqanet web portal, which will provide a number of enhanced and new services when it is released in August, with additional services being added later in the year.
When released, the new asqanet will provide services for:
- lodging online VET and CRICOS applications, including applications for reconsideration and reassessment; and online payments
- removing RTO scope without lodging an application
- notifying ASQA of material changes or events to RTOs or CRICOS providers
- accessing, authorising and managing user accounts to RTO and CRICOS provider information
- reviewing and updating RTO and CRICOS provider details without submitting a form.
All existing users of ASQA’s web portal will need to register to use the new asqanet. This process is to ensure that your corporate information remains secure and confidential. RTOs will be notified in advance before the requirement comes into place.
When the new asqanet is available, there will be a restriction on the number of users that can access the web portal at same time. This is to ensure performance is not affected by all ASQA RTOs and CRICOS providers registering to explore the new web portal on day one. If the maximum number of users are already on the web portal when you attempt to register or login, you will receive a message to try again later.
We will be issuing more information about the new asqanet in the coming weeks, so please ensure your RTO’s details are up to date to make sure you receive this important information.
Amendments to Education Services for Overseas Students Act
1 July 2016
Amendments to the Education Services for Overseas Students Act (ESOS Act) take effect from today, 1 July 2016. These amendments designate the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as the ESOS agency for some providers.
The changes will simplify and streamline registration processes for training providers delivering courses to overseas students (CRICOS providers).
The key changes include:
For more information, please refer to the Department of Education and Training’s fact sheet about registration under the ESOS Act for VET courses and ELICOS courses.
Amendments to the Education Services for Overseas Students Act (ESOS Act) take effect from today, 1 July 2016. These amendments designate the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as the ESOS agency for some providers.
The changes will simplify and streamline registration processes for training providers delivering courses to overseas students (CRICOS providers).
The key changes include:
- ASQA can now directly register providers on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
- ASQA will directly monitor provider compliance with the ESOS legislative framework.
- The maximum registration period for a CRICOS provider has been extended from five years to seven years—aligning with the maximum period of registration for registered training organisations (RTOs).
- Where appropriate, ASQA can now align RTO and CRICOS registration end dates, allowing providers to apply to renew both registrations at the same time.
- Providers may in some circumstances now apply for internal review of decisions made by ASQA under the ESOS Act.
For more information, please refer to the Department of Education and Training’s fact sheet about registration under the ESOS Act for VET courses and ELICOS courses.
VET Student Handbook
In order to understand the processes followed by their chosen Registered Training Organisation (RTO), students need to be provided with a comprehensive guide that they can refer to after their induction program.
The VET Student Handbook Template provides a framework for RTOs to build upon and adapt as needed.
The document includes:
Cover page ready for the RTO’s branding, logo and contact details
Comprehensive automatic Table of Contents covering off on 14 major topics
References to information:
The template is $55 (incl. GST) for Members and $77 (incl. GST) for Non-Members.
For more information, view the product on Velg Training’s website.
- required by the Standards for RTOs 2015
- required by VET FEE-HELP funding arrangements
- related to the Unique Student Identifier (USI)
The template is $55 (incl. GST) for Members and $77 (incl. GST) for Non-Members.
For more information, view the product on Velg Training’s website.
National Skills Week
29 August - 4 September
World Youth Skills Day on July 15th highlights “Skill development as a primary means to enabling young people to make a smooth transition into the world of work”, states UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
With only 50 days until the National launch of National Skills Week in Melbourne, Victoria, both events find commonality in shining a spotlight on the need to fill gaps in sectors with skill shortages and celebrate the important role Australian youth play in a number of traditional and emerging industries.
National Skills Week focuses on promoting the benefits of Vocational Education and Training as a first choice pathway leading to a successful skilled or trade career. “The VET sector is at the forefront of providing practical training to students with courses delivered and lead by world-class teachers, mentors and ambassadors” Kirstin Casey, General Manager, SkillsOne has said.
Ambassadors are particularly beneficial in impacting the lives of Australia’s youth, providing an example of just where hard work and dedication to your studies, trade or apprenticeship can take you.
This is particularly evident in Australian Training Award Alumni, representing the very best in winners andf inalists from across the country in categories including Individual, Business and Registered Training Organisation awards.
It’s time to recognise the important role VET plays in developing young skilled professionals, who go on to make a positive impact across industries nation wide.
Join us in celebrating these positive stories during National Skills Week, (August 29th- September 04th 2016). For more information on the many events you can get involved in, or to register an event visit www.nationalskillsweek.com.au
For further information on winners and finalists from the Australian Training Awards, visit https://www.australiantrainingawards.gov.au/story
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Financial Services Sector IRC Proposed Structure Released
IRC Open for Public CommentThe Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) is reviewing Industry Reference Committees (IRCs) to ensure the structure and membership of each IRC provides the essential industry coverage and expertise required to support training package development for each industry section. The Financial Services Sector Industry Reference Committee (IRC) is responsible for the Financial Services Sector Training Package. Proposed StructureEmployer: Large, medium or small businesses, companies and employers, or an individual with relevant industry knowledge - 6 members Peak Organisation: Bodies representing or providing advice on behalf of an industry or a group of people with allied interests (such as employers or employees) within the financial services sector. This category could include association or advisory-type bodies - 8 members Union - 1 member Government: A corporate or non-corporate Commonwealth entity, or a Commonwealth company - 2 members The complete proposed structure, including comments, rationales and factors to consider when providing feedback is available on the AISC website. At this time, stakeholders are being asked to comment on the proposed structure of the Financial Services Sector IRC to ensure it is representative of both the industry and sector. The AISC will call for membership nominations once the structure of the IRC has been finalised. Comments and suggestions on the proposed structure can be submitted through the AISC feedback form through 25 July. | |
Police Checks
Discount rates for ACPET members and students are:
• Members and staff - $44
• Students and volunteers - $25
ACPET members and students can view an online tutorial, or visit National Crime Check application page and enter the ACPET member discount code ACPETNCC.
Industry Reference Committees - SkillsIQ - New Website
| We are pleased to announce the launch of our new website. SkillsIQ is a national, not-for-profit organisation supporting industry to develop standards to equip the people-facing workforce with the right skills for jobs now and in the future. With a new layout and easy to navigate tabs, our website provides information on the Industry Reference Committees (IRCs) and industry sectors we support, as well as the training packages allocated to these IRCs. There is a hub for resources and research relevant to our industry sectors and training packages and a news and events centre to access the lastest news and upcoming events, both in industry and the broader Vocational Education and Training sector. You can find out more about SkillsIQ, our role in industry engagement and training package development, meet our Board of Directors and our team, as well as get information on current projects we are undertaking.Industry Workforce Survey In the course of assisting with preparation of the four year plans for each of our IRCs, SkillsIQ is undertaking a broad Industry Workforce Survey, to hear more about the workforce challenges in your sector and what impacts they have on your business. The survey is open to all stakeholders operating in our sectors, including employers, employees, associations & peak bodies, training providers and others. It takes around 10 minutes to complete and the results will be collated and provided to the relevant IRCs to assist them in prioritising training package development over the coming 4 years. To have your say and complete the survey, please click here.New Office Address and Contact Details We have moved office, so please update your records. Our new address and contact details are: SkillsIQ Limited Level 1, 332 Kent Street Sydney, NSW, 2000 Tel: 02 9392 8100 Fax: 02 9392 8199
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Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Jobs for the future
For last night's 4 Corners report on digital disruption and future jobs, the underpinning question was, “In the coming age of robotics and advanced IT, what will the jobs of the future be?”
Whilst there were futurists and researchers making predictions and quoting numbers or percentages of jobs that will be lost, this question requires consideration of evidence from workforce planning with employers and industry sectors, a global perspective, and grasp of the impact of new discover technologies on work.
This blog and the story has implications for educators, employers, governments, industry bodies, job agencies, parents, Registered Training Organisations, schools, universities and youth organisations.
There are also a number of pointers about the future in these recent posts:
Smart and Skilled No 28
Increase to Vocational Training Assistance Scheme subsidies for apprentices and new entrant trainees
No 28
NSW VET Performance Data
ACPET PD Calendar June to December 2016
ACPET end of year calendar
Take a look at the following professional development webinars that are running over the next few weeks and book your place now!
Webinars run for between 45 minutes and one hour and are priced at $55 for members and $80 for non-members.
Friday, July 22, 2016
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