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VET policies and frameworks
Being a trainer and/or assessor in the VET sector can be a challenge - we are bound by national policy and frameworks, and things are constantly changing. It can be a nightmare keeping up with all the standards under which you have to operate. Hopefully, my advice here will help you locate and understand the specific areas that you need to be aware of.
First up, let's talk about the AQTF - Australian Quality Training Framework.
'The Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) provides the basis for Australia's nationally consistent, high quality vocational education and training system.'
It is the key compliance framework for all VET providers (public and private) to ensure they are providing quality services. Each Registered Training Organisation (RTO) must apply the standards specific to RTOs when planning to deliver training, assess competence and issue Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications, and are regularly audited against the standards of the AQTF.
You can find out more about the AQTF or download the AQTF standards from http://www.training.com.au/aqtf2007/. I would also recommend that you read through the standards that apply to an RTO, to work out which apply specifically to you in your role as a VET trainer and/or assessor.
Of course, that's not all we need to know about! We also have to be aware of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation. You can find out what areas of national OHS policy apply specifically to you as a VET trainer/assessor using the Guidelines for Integrating OHS at the SafeWork Australia website. Access and equity is another major area that we focus on as VET trainers/assessors. It's important that every learner has fair and equitable access to learning, regardless of any geographical, physical, mental or other issues/limitations they may have. We strive to create equal opportunities for all, regardless of race, gender, ethnical or cultural background. You can find out more about what VET is doing to provide access and equity for learners at the equity section of DEEWR's website.
You might also be interested in visiting the Australian Disability Training Advisory Council (ADTAC), which was was created in October 2000 as an advisory committee to the (then) ANTA Board.
In addition to these national policies and frameworks, you should also be aware of any policies, frameworks or VET related initiatives that apply within your own State/Territory. These are managed primarily by your local training and/or education department. Also, as a VET trainer/assessor, you are employed under certain conditions - you could be on a contract, part-time or full-time, permanent or casual basis, so it's important that you know and understand what your rights and responsibilities are in relation to industrial and employee relations. Once again, your State/Territory VET body can help with this information. Listed below are the relevant departments across Australia, with a link to the website for each one.
You should also be familiar with your State/Territory Training Authority, with whom these government departments collaborate on VET policy and practice. The websites listed below provide local information on these authorities, including links to relevant websites.
Of course, you're welcome to browse around the resources that we have available here at OLS. Here are some places to look:
- Training Room/Bookcase: Check the Quick Guide titled VET Questions Answered.
- Training Room/Recommended Reading: Of interest here are the resources titled "AQTF Evidence Guide for RTOs and Auditors", and "Standards for Regsitered Training Organisations".
- Training Room/Weblinks: Check the section titled "VET" for some websites that can help you with national training policy and frameworks. The "Access and Equity" section of Weblinks may also be helpful, as will the OHS section.
- Training Room/Activities: Try the History of VET timeline, test your knowledge of VET in the "VET Talk" game, or try out the e-games for VET knowledge.
You'll also find plenty of information on related topics such as Training Packages here in the Staff Room, mostly in my Q&A section. Finally, don't stress if this all seems a bit overwhelming - not all of these standards, policies and frameworks relate directly to your role as a trainer/assessor, but it is important to have an understanding of your responsibilities at your own RTO.
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