Standards

for Training Packages

Outline

Outline of the development of the Standards Framework

Transition timelines

Overview of the Standards Framework and implementation

Next steps and further information

Background and Context

During 2011-12 the development of Standards for Training Packages was informed by: reforms initiated by the COAG VET Products for the

21st Century Report (2009) and subsequent National Quality Council (NQC) policy; and

Training Package Development Handbook

The development work did not attempt to re-open debate regarding existing policy

SCOTESE November 2012:New Standards for Training Packages Endorsed

Standards Framework One standard that defines Training

Packages as a product

Two standards for compliance with NSSC policies to support implementation of the standards framework

Nine standards that define the components of a Training Package

Purpose of the Standards

....to ensure Training Packages are of high quality and meet the workforce development needs of industry, enterprises and individuals

....apply to the design and development of Training Packages for endorsement consideration by the National Skills Standards Council (NSSC)

The purpose of the Standards is consistent with the NSSC Charter endorsed by Ministers

Standard 1

Training Packages consist of the following:

1. NSSC endorsed components: units of competency; assessment requirements (associated with each unit of

competency);

qualifications; and credit arrangements.

2. One or more quality assured companion volumes.

Key points for Standard 1

The NSSC endorsed components are the RTO requirements and subject to VET regulation

The non-endorsed component is advice for RTOs to support implementation and not subject to VET regulation

Standard 2

Training Package developers comply with the NSSC Training Package Products Policy

Products policy organised to support the design of Training Packages, units of competency, qualifications and skill sets within the standards framework

Key points for Standard 2

No endorsement year for Training Packages no need for full reviews but ISCs may elect to

continue this practice continuous improvement is centred on units and

qualifications

Skill Sets note that AVETMISS 7 (implemented in 2014) will

require coding

Standard 3

Training Package developers comply with the NSSC Training Package Development and Endorsement Process Policy

Mostly updated from existing policy to reflect new governance arrangements and strengthened quality assurance arrangements

Key points for Standard 3Case for Endorsement/NSSC endorsement

process

no submission unless compliance against the Standards is confirmed through the Quality Report

concise Case for Endorsement and available on ISC websites

endorsement consideration at NSSC meetings

potential out-of-session consideration under exceptional circumstances

Final submission dates for

Cases for Endorsement

NSSC meeting dates for 2013

17 January 2013 28 February 2013

6 March 2013 17 April 2013

2 May 2013 13 June 2013

4 July 2013 15 August 2013

28 August 2013 9 October 2013

24 October 2013 5 December 2013

Quality Assurance

Industry Skills Councils (ISCs): responsible for the quality and quality assurance

process of Training Packages

Office of the NSSC: manages the new Quality Assurance (QA) Panel on

behalf of the NSSC ensures consistent auditing against the standards

reviews Cases for Endorsement and provides advice to NSSC in endorsement consideration

New Quality Assurance Panel Anticipate operational mid 2013

Significant ongoing professional development

Key source of advice to the Office of the NSSC/NSSC

ISCs may engage any QA Panel members as a source of expertise in development

Until establishment, ISCs use existing QA Panel in consultation with the Office of the NSSC

Mandatory Reports for QAEditorial and Equity Reports undertaken by QA Panel member or ISC member

with appropriate expertise

Quality Report Office of the NSSC allocation of one or more QA

Panel members from which ISCs can select

ISC provides evidence to meet compliance against the standards

Quality Report is an audit to assess compliance against the standards based on the evidence provided

Standard 4

Units of competency specify the standards of performance required in the workplace

Primary audience is industry Concise and clear requirements

Standard 5

The structure of units of competency complies with the unit of competency template

Integrated foundation skills

Standard 6

Assessment requirements specify the evidence and required conditions for assessment

Primary audience are regulators and RTOs Clear and specific requirements

Standard 7

Every unit of competency has associated assessment requirements. The structure of assessment requirements complies with the assessment requirements template

Greater specification of assessment evidence (performance and knowledge) and assessment conditions in which assessment evidence is collected

Clearer assessor requirements

Standard 8

Qualifications comply with the Australian Qualifications Framework specification for that qualification type

Qualifications compliance is a key focus for the NSSCNOTE: 1 January 2015 full implementation of the revised AQF

Standard 9

The structure of the information for the Australian Qualifications Framework qualification complies with the qualification template

Standard 10

Credit arrangements existing between Training Package qualifications and Higher Education qualifications are listed in a format that complies with the credit arrangements template

Standard 11A quality assured companion volume implementation guide produced by the Training Package developer is available at the time of endorsement and complies with the companion volume implementation guide template

ISC QA process for Companion Volumes publicly documented

Standard 12

Training Package developers produce other quality assured companion volumes to meet the needs of their stakeholders as required

NSSC may initiate an external review of the Companion Volume Quality Assurance Process and outcomes at any time

Next steps Visit the NSSC website for communication

activities and information regarding the Standards

Visit ISC websites for specific information regarding Training Packages

NSSC working with key stakeholders in implementation

www.nssc.natese.gov.au www.isc.org.au