Memo
Queensland Studies Authority
Page 1 of 2
4 August 2010 Number: 058/10
VET
Changes to the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF)
Purpose
To tell schools that are Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) or planning to become RTOs about the changes to the Australian Quality Training Framework and implementation details. This memo relates to QSA memo 012/10 dated 8 February 2010.
Background
The Ministerial Council for Tertiary Education and Employment (MCTEE) endorsed a revised set of AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Registration on 9 June 2010. The implementation date of the revised arrangements was 1 July 2010. However, there are transition requirements for some
components of the Conditions of Registration until 3 January 2011:
Condition of registration 5 relating to fees paid in advance
Condition of registration 6 relating to AVETMISS capability and the national unique student identifier.
The National Quality Council (NQC) has reviewed and updated its policy on the competencies to be held by trainers and assessors. The NQC agreed on a transition period of two years for
trainers/assessors to meet the new requirements. Therefore, RTOs have until 17 June 2012 to comply with the new requirements.
The changes in the conditions and standards will have minimal impact on most schools that are RTOs.
Many of the changes, in particular, the strengthening of the governance and financial conditions of registration would be covered by the existing requirements of Education Queensland, the Non-State School Accreditation Board and the Queensland College of Teachers.
The VET Branch of the QSA has started the process of updating its processes, documentation and website. This involves extensive, prioritised work. VET Coordinators will be kept up to date with the changes through frequent emails.
Information
AQTF publications
The following publications relevant to the revised AQTF are now available on <www.training.com.au>.
For schools who are RTOs
AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Continuing Registration available at
<www.training.com.au/documents/Dezem_AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Continuing Registration_8 June_3.pdf>.
Users' Guide to the Essential Conditions and Standards for Continuing Registration available at
<www.training.com.au/documents/Dezem_100610 User guide for continuing registration_280610_1555 _ 20FINAL FOR WEBSITE 29 JUNE.pdf>.
4 August 2010 | Page 2 of 2 Changes to the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF)
For schools applying to become RTOs
AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Initial Registration available at
<www.training.com.au/documents/Dezem–
AQTF_EssentialConditionsandStandardsforInitialRegistration_8 June_2.pdf>.
Users' Guide to the Essential Conditions and Standards for Initial Registration available at
<www.training.com.au/documents/Dezem_100610 User guide for initial registration_290610 FINAL FOR WEBSITE 8JULY.pdf>.
For all schools who are RTOs or applying to become RTOs Information in regard to new trainer/assessor requirements:
Users' Guide Appendix 3 details the training and assessment competencies to be held by trainers and assessors up to 17 June 2012. These are the same as those required under AQTF 2007.
Users' Guide Appendix 2 details the training and assessment competencies to be held by trainers and assessors after 17 June 2012.
NQC Special Bulletin “New NQC policy for AQTF trainer and assessor competencies” dated 7 July 2010 is available at
<www.nqc.tvetaustralia.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/53750/NQC_Special_Bulletin_- _New_Requirements_for_AQTF_Trainers_and_Assessors.pdf>.
There are other supporting documents and guidelines on the <www.training.com.au> website.
What you need to do
Schools that are currently RTOs
As at 1 July 2010, all RTOs are required to comply with the AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Continuing Registration.
To assist schools that are RTOs, the QSA will send an information document by mid-August. This document will include a guide for schools comparing AQTF 2007 with the new AQTF.
In the meantime, school personnel should become familiar with the AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Continuing Registration and then review and update their schools' policies and
procedures. The Users' Guide to the Essential Conditions and Standards for Continuing Registration would be useful in this process.
Schools that are planning to become RTOs
These schools need to become familiar with the AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Initial Registration. The Users' Guide to the Essential Conditions and Standards for Initial Registration would be a useful resource in developing policies and procedures as well as the evidence that could be provided at audit to show compliance with the conditions and standards.
More information
If you would like more information, please email the VET Branch at <[email protected]>, or phone 3864 0381.
Ian Fyfe
Assistant Director
Curriculum Services Division
