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Message from the CEO (12 August 2022)

Message from the CEO This issue of the VET Sector is especially significant for us as our mother company Career Calling is celebrating 13 years in business. As a result, our newsletter contains some really awesome articles. The VET Sector is a newsletter and magazine devoted to the training sector, providing information, resources, and articles […]

13th Anniversary of Career Calling

Happy Anniversary to us! At Career Calling, we are celebrating 13 years of providing compliance services and resources to training organisations across the country. At Career Calling we have assisted over a thousand training providers to meet compliance and regulatory requirements from setting up their RTO’s, to assisting with non-compliances, sitting in audits and providing […]

The intelligence of different types

Intelligence is a complex topic, and there is much debate surrounding what it actually is and how it can be measured. However, psychologists generally agree that there are four main types of intelligence: the Intelligence Quotient (IQ), the Emotional Quotient (EQ), the Social Quotient (SQ), and the Adversity Quotient (AQ). Each of these types of […]

In vocational education and training, what is assessment?

In the VET sector, assessment refers to the process of collecting evidence for making judgments about an individual’s competence or ability to perform a task or role against a standard expected in the workplace. This usually involves collecting evidence of performance and making comparisons to pre-determined standards. The purpose of assessment in the VET sector […]

Competency-based assessments (CBA) and competency-based training (CBT): purpose and benefits

After the Australian tripartite mission in 1987 (ACTU/TDC 1987) and the publication of Industry training in Australia: The need for change (Dawkins 1989a) and Improving Australia’s training system, many people believe that this is when CBT was first implemented (Dawkins 1989b). Despite this, CBT can be traced back to more traditional approaches, such as the […]

CAQA Resources’ process for developing assessment and learner resources

Our resource development process starts with engaging the highly qualified and experienced instructional designers to write all our training and assessment materials. We work with some of the most talented instructional designers in the industry. All our resources are developed by highly qualified and experienced instructional designers in consultation with subject matter experts. This allows […]

The purpose of due-diligence audits

Due diligence is an important process to learn about when considering becoming a buyer for a registered training organisation (RTO). It is essential, before investing in a registered training organisation, that you have a solid understanding of the function that due-diligence audits serve. These audits can be carried out by experienced RTO consultants in order […]

Principles of assessment

An easy way to learn them: “Life isn’t fair, so you have to be flexible” “What’s the point of being valid if you’re not reliable?” What are the principles of assessment? Fairness During the RTO Assessment process, the Fairness principle considers the individual learner’s needs. What steps do RTOs take to ensure that the assessment […]

Rules of evidence

An easy way to learn them: “I need something valid like a current driver’s license sufficient money for rent and an authentic friend” In the Rules of Evidence, important considerations around assessment evidence collection are highlighted in relation to the Principles of Assessment. Validity The assessor must be assured that the student has the skills, […]

Validity of traditional assessment methods

There is a great deal of debate surrounding the validity of assessment methods in vocational education and training (VET). Some believe that traditional methods, such as open book and closed book examinations and long answer, essay-type questions, are no longer fit for purpose in the modern VET sector. Others argue that these methods are still […]

Pandemic-related drop in enrolments and delays in student visa approvals causing chaos for RTOs

The pandemic has caused a sharp drop in enrolments at many Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), with some seeing a decline of up to 80%. This is due to a combination of factors, including the closure of international borders and the processing, postponement or cancellation of many overseas student visa applications. Student visa approvals have also […]

The learner guide and presentations should not be the only source of answers for your students’

One of the biggest mistakes that students and some trainers/assessors can make is to think that the learner guide and presentations are the only sources of answers for summative assessments. This is not the case! The assessor should be looking for evidence that the student has actually understood the content and can apply it in […]

Assessment tools to support observation using simulation

Simulation can provide a realistic environment in which to observe and assess student performance. A variety of assessment tools are available to support observation using simulation, including checklists, global rating scales, observation guides and structured debriefing. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of tool should be based on the specific learning […]

An overview of assessment evidence

Assessment evidence in the VET sector refers to the process and methods used by assessors to gather, generate and judge the quality of evidence for the purpose of making informed judgements about vocational competence. It includes how assessors: Design and select assessment instruments Plan and conduct assessments Interpret and use assessment results as evidence of […]

Identify contextualisation needs based on the candidate and, where relevant, the candidate’s workplace

Based on the assessment resources, you need to identify the contextualisation needs of the candidate. This may include: The specific industry or sector in which the candidate works The specific job role or roles that the candidate performs The specific tasks that the candidate is required to perform in their job role(s) The specific knowledge, […]

Writing an RPL assessment

When you are writing an RPL assessment, it is important to keep the principles of assessment and the rules of evidence in mind. These two things will help ensure that your assessment is fair and accurate. The principles of assessment are: The assessment must be fair The assessment must be flexible The assessment must be […]

In their first meeting since the election, education ministers face a ‘massive’ teacher shortage

The nation’s unprecedented teacher shortage will dominate discussions between Australia’s education ministers on Friday 12th of August 2022, their first meeting since the federal election. The issue of heavy workloads, and how shifting expectations of a teacher’s role and responsibilities are impacting retention rates, is also expected to be high on the agenda. In an […]

During the IHEA Dual-Sector Network conference, Sukh Sandhu addressed issues and changes in the VET sector.

A recent conference of IHEA Dual Sector Network recognized ASQA’s effort to change its focus from person-centred to system-oriented auditing. ASQA was also commended for focusing on continuous improvement and self-assurance rather than solely on compliance. Their website includes many more fact sheets and information related to education and training opportunities, which is really helpful […]

Why should you trust CAQA Resources as your RTO training resource provider

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you need to ensure that the training resources you use are of the highest quality. CAQA Resources is an Australian provider of quality-assured training materials, so you can be confident that our products will meet your needs. We offer a wide range of online and offline training materials, including […]

CAQA Resources – New training and assessment resources

This month’s new training and assessment resources: HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing CPC60220 Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) CPC50320 Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) Coming soon: SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery SIT30921 Certificate III in Catering SIT31021 Certificate III in Patisserie SIT40521 Certificate IV in […]

Edu Learning – Your door to professional development opportunities

We would love to have you join our professional development retainer agreement services or individual professional development opportunities through Edu Learning. Our organisation works with the aim to help you grow your skills in a fun and interactive way. The benefits of joining our organisation are numerous, from getting tips from VET experts and industry […]

CAQA Systems Services

CAQA Systems provides technology services and support, and works in partnership with its customers. We collaborate with innovative organisations and service providers, assisting them in maximising the efficiency and effectiveness of their technology investments. We specialise in network administration, software systems and development, hardware and software support, software system and development, cybersecurity, information technology-related issues […]

CAQA Recruitment

Are you looking for staff? At CAQA Recruitment we help employers find talent for their organisation. We understand that hiring is a complex and sometimes costly process. However, it can be simplified and made easy on a budget by opting for our services. Our recruitment platform receives a huge number of interest from applicants who […]

Online Media Solutions (OMS) Services

Over the past two decades, Online Media Solutions (OMS) has provided assistance to clients worldwide. OMS merged into the CAQA and Career Calling brands in 2013. Services offered by Online Media Solutions include: website design and development; website security; web hosting; domains marketplace; development of iOS and Android applications; software development; graphics design including logos, […]

Best selling resources of this month

These are our top 10 best selling resources of this month: HLT54121 Diploma Of Nursing ICT40120 Certificate IV In Information Technology BSB40820 Certificate IV In Marketing And Communication BSB30120 Certificate III In Business BSB80320 Graduate Diploma Of Strategic Leadership 22483VIC Course In EAL CHC43315 Certificate IV In Mental Health HLT33115 Certificate III In Health Services […]

CAQA Recruitment – The current job vacancies

Resource writers CAQA Resources is looking for qualified instructional writers and subject matter experts to develop training materials for the community services and health services industries. If you are interested, email your resume and cover letter to info@caqarecruitment.com.au Marketing Manager This role is responsible for setting and applying the strategic direction and for the day […]

The VET Sector News (August 2022)

Leadership and personal finance are the focus of TROY’s two free online classes this summer Whether you’re interested in building valuable leadership skills to propel your career or are interested in learning principles to protect and grow your wealth, Troy University is ready to help those who want to make a commitment to their future […]

Leadership and personal finance are the focus of TROY’s two free online classes this summer

Whether you’re interested in building valuable leadership skills to propel your career or are interested in learning principles to protect and grow your wealth, Troy University is ready to help those who want to make a commitment to their future by offering two free courses this summer. TROY’s online courses have been ranked among the […]

World skills competition promotes vocational education exchange

The first World Vocational College Skills Competition has kicked off in China’s Tianjin Municipality and Jiangxi Province. At the Jiangxi division, 125 contestants of 36 teams from 28 countries will participate in two competitions: information security management and evaluation, and virtual reality design and production. “The competition provides us with a platform to show our […]

More Pakistani vocational institutes to partner with Chinese counterparts: HEC Chairman

“The Higher Education Commission (HEC) is formulating and improving the policy for dual degree programs in Pakistan. I look forward to the first China-Pakistan dual degree program officially approved by HEC which will be launched at Karakoram International University”, said Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of Pakistan’s HEC in a meeting with a delegation from Tang […]

How to optimise the private sector’s engagement in TVET

The role of the private sector is crucial in the creation of a demand-driven Technical and Vocational Education and Training, or TVET, system that contributes towards the achievement of national goals. A system that aims at quality skills development through a combination of classroom-based training and practical experience in the workplace demands greater cooperation with […]

Who is vocational education training for? Data shows over 84% Indian didn’t get any

Vocational and technical training has been the central pillar of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious skill building mission since 2015. It is also the feature that will drive India’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat push. But data reveals that despite the government’s high-priority, the uptake for vocational and technical training has been surprisingly low. It is no […]

Message from the CEO (17 July 2022)

Message from the CEO A training sector magazine and newsletter, The VET Sector, features articles, resources, and information for all stakeholders of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). We cover relevant and important topics to RTOs, such as compliance, resources, and best practices. RTOs will find valuable information here that will help them improve their operations and […]

Think like a customer

When running a training and education institution, it is important to think like a customer. This means understanding their needs and wants and catering to them. It is also important to provide the best possible service so that they will return and recommend you to others. When you are running a training and education institution, […]

Create an environment conducive to learning

One of the most important aspects of running a successful training organisation is creating an environment that is conducive to learning for your students. This means more than just providing a comfortable space for them to study – it also includes ensuring that they have access to the resources they need, feel safe and supported, […]

Foster a culture of continuous learning

Continuous learning is a process whereby people keep up to date with the latest information in their field and improve their skills on an ongoing basis. It is often seen as an important part of professional development and can help people to stay ahead of the curve in their careers. Continuous learning is the key […]

What you need to know about sustaining your ed-tech startup after the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a game-changer for the ed-tech industry. The sector has seen a dramatic increase in demand for its products and services as schools and universities move to online learning models. However, the pandemic has also created challenges for ed-tech start-ups, who are facing pressure to scale up their operations quickly and […]

10 Principles – What it takes to run a compliant vocational education and training (VET) organisation

There are a number of key principles that must be adhered to if you wish to operate a compliant training organisation. In accordance with these principles, your organisation must deliver quality training in a safe and professional manner that meets the needs of your students. The first and foremost requirement is that your organisation be […]

Why are a number of training organisations not successful

There are a number of reasons why training organisations may not be successful. One reason may be that the organisation does not have a clear focus or goals. Without a clear focus, it can be difficult to develop and implement effective training programs. The second reason may be that they are not able to keep […]

Top ten resume success factors – An article from Career Calling Jobs and CAQA Recruitment

A resume should be a tool to show employers what you have accomplished and what you can bring to the table. It is not a list of everything you have ever done. When it comes to resumes, quality trumps quantity. Here are the top ten factors that will make your resume successful: 1. A well-written, […]

In an effort to reform education, Peter Dutton calls for change

Peter Dutton, the Opposition Leader has called for a change to the way the national policy framework for training and education is developed, monitored, and implemented to reform Australia’s education system. Mr Dutton said at a press conference that unions and activists are driving the current system, which negatively impacts the learning of students. According […]

Let’s focus on what we can control.

Let’s focus on what we can control when working in a training organisation. When working in a training organisation, it is important to focus on what we can control. There are a number of things that we can’t control, such as the weather or the economy. However, there are many things that we can control, […]

Setting up KPIs for your training organisation

As a training organization, one of the most important things you can do is to set up KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to track your progress. Doing so will help you stay on track and ensure that you’re providing the best possible service to your clients. What are KPIs? Key performance indicators (KPIs) are a set […]

Benefits of upskilling and reskilling

There is a lot of discussion about the role of vocational education and training (VET) in providing the skills that people need for the future. VET has an important role to play in providing the skills that people need for the future, but it is not the only source of these skills. There are many […]

ASQA’s as a national training package assurance body

As part of the transition to the new arrangements, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) will soon replace the assurance function of the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC). To ensure that students, employers, governments, and the community are confident in the integrity of national qualifications issued by the VET sector, the function will establish […]

Reducing trauma and structural racism

Organisations that provide training and support to communities of colour can play a critical role in reducing trauma and structural racism. By ensuring that their staff are trained in trauma-informed care and culturally responsive practices, these organisations can help to create more equitable and supportive environments for all. It’s no secret that the world of […]

What can be done to ‘future-proof’ international education in Australia?

As Australia’s international education sector continues to grow, it is important to consider how to ‘future-proof’ the industry. As the world becomes increasingly globalized, it is more important than ever for students to receive a quality education that will prepare them for success in an international context. There are a number of factors that need […]

Preparing students for an increasingly interconnected world

This means teaching them not only the subject matter they will need to know in order to be successful in their chosen fields, but also the cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills they will need to work effectively with people from other countries and cultures. Let’s focus on some of the things a training organisation can […]

Encourage creativity and critical thinking in our students

As a training organisation, it is important that we encourage creativity and critical thinking in our students. By doing so, we can help them develop the skills they need to succeed in their chosen field. There are a number of ways we can encourage creativity and critical thinking in our students. Firstly, we can define […]

Annual performance reviews of your training organisation

Annual performance reviews are a key part of any training organisation’s quality improvement process. They provide an opportunity to review progress, identify areas for improvement and set goals for the coming year. Performance reviews can be used to assess an organisation’s effectiveness in delivering training, their customer service levels and the quality of their products […]

Some potential challenges with “fee-free TAFE”

Challenges associated with “fee-free” training Recently, the vocational education and training (VET) sector have seen an increase in fee-free training. In this scenario, a government body pays the fees for training, so that students do not have to pay any fees or only pay minimal administration charges. Despite it sounding like a great idea, this […]

The administrative responsibilities of the trainers and assessors in a training organisation

Trainers or assessors in training organisations may have a variety of administrative duties. Some of these may be: Ensuring that all training and assessment materials are up to date and compliant with relevant legislation and standards Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of students’ enrolment, attendance and progress Coordinating the delivery of training programs, and ensuring […]

Contextualisation and customisation in the vocational education and training industry

Customisation and contextualisation are two important approaches to vocational education and training (VET). Both involve tailoring VET programs to the specific needs of individual learners or groups of learners. However, there are some important differences between the two approaches. Contextualisation refers to the process of adapting VET programs to the specific context in which they […]

Summary of Contextualising teaching and learning – A guide for VET teachers

In this article, our team has prepared a summary of Contextualising teaching and learning – A guide for VET teachers. In this handbook, you will find practical, ready-to-use ways to contextualize learning in a variety of “classrooms,” from an educational institution to a factory floor and online. Its primary focus is on teaching rather than […]

Different assessment strategies and training organisations

There are many different assessment strategies that training organisations can use to evaluate their students’ progress. Some of the most common types of assessment include formative assessment, summative assessment, continuous assessment, norm-directed assessment, criterion-directed assessment and subjective assessment. Each type of assessment has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the […]

Training and assessment in vocational education and training by unqualified trainers and assessors

It has been a huge concern in vocational education and training (VET) in Australia that training products are being delivered by unqualified trainers and assessors. This means that the quality of VET delivery can vary significantly from one provider to another and that there is potential for poor outcomes for students. There are a number […]

New Standards for Registered Training Organisations

In early 2023, new standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are expected to be released, which will emphasise self-assurance practices and organisational culture and practices. This is a significant change from the current standards, which focus mainly on compliance with government regulations. The new standards are designed to help RTOs create a more holistic approach […]

Which way of learning is most effective — online or offline?

There are many different ways to learn, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll take a look at two of the most popular methods — online learning and offline learning — and compare their effectiveness. Online learning is a type of distance learning that takes place over the internet. It’s […]

A database of cheating websites has been updated through intelligence sharing.

TEQSA shared updated on information on suspected academic cheating service websites with Australia’s higher education sector 24 June 2022. A database of 2,333 suspected commercial academic cheating service websites has been updated to include intelligence gathered by TEQSA staff. This globally accessible database includes 579 sites specifically targeting students at Australian higher education institutions. The […]

An ASQA initiative called Pathways and Perspectives has been launched

The excellent initiatives that ASQA is taking to deliver information to the VET and RTO sectors are worthy of appreciation. They have recently begun a project called Pathways and Perspective, which is an effective technique of informing and communicating with the VET industry. The community is provided with facts, insights, and noteworthy stories on the […]

Why should you trust CAQA Resources as your RTO training resource provider

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you need to ensure that the training resources you use are of the highest quality. CAQA Resources is an Australian provider of quality-assured training materials, so you can be confident that our products will meet your needs. We offer a wide range of online and offline training materials, including […]

CAQA Resources – New training and assessment resources

This month’s new training and assessment resources: HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing CPC60220 Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) CPC50320 Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) Coming soon: CUA51020 Diploma of Screen and Media CUA51120 Diploma of Visual Arts AHC20416 Certificate II In Horticulture AHC30716 Certificate III In […]

Edu Learning – Your door to professional development opportunities

We would love to have you join our professional development retainer agreement services or individual professional development opportunities through Edu Learning. Our organisation works with the aim to help you grow your skills in a fun and interactive way. The benefits of joining our organisation are numerous, from getting tips from VET experts and industry […]

CAQA Systems Services

CAQA Systems provides technology services and support, and works in partnership with its customers. We collaborate with innovative organisations and service providers, assisting them in maximising the efficiency and effectiveness of their technology investments. We specialise in network administration, software systems and development, hardware and software support, software system and development, cybersecurity, information technology-related issues […]

CAQA Recruitment

Are you looking for staff? At CAQA Recruitment we help employers find talent for their organisation. We understand that hiring is a complex and sometimes costly process. However, it can be simplified and made easy on a budget by opting for our services. Our recruitment platform receives a huge number of interest from applicants who […]

Online Media Solutions (OMS) Services

Over the past two decades, Online Media Solutions (OMS) has provided assistance to clients worldwide. OMS merged into the CAQA and Career Calling brands in 2013. Services offered by Online Media Solutions include: website design and development; website security; web hosting; domains marketplace; development of iOS and Android applications; software development; graphics design including logos, […]

Best selling resources of this month

These are our top 10 best selling resources of this month: HLT54121 Diploma Of Nursing ICT40120 Certificate IV In Information Technology BSB40820 Certificate IV In Marketing And Communication BSB30120 Certificate III In Business BSB80320 Graduate Diploma Of Strategic Leadership 22483VIC Course In EAL CHC43315 Certificate IV In Mental Health HLT33115 Certificate III In Health Services […]

CAQA Recruitment – The current job vacancies

Resource writers CAQA Resources is looking for qualified instructional writers and subject matter experts to develop training materials for the community services and health services industries. If you are interested, email your resume and cover letter to info@caqarecruitment.com.au Marketing Manager This role is responsible for setting and applying the strategic direction and for the day […]

The VET Sector News (July 2022)

Leadership and personal finance are the focus of TROY’s two free online classes this summer Whether you’re interested in building valuable leadership skills to propel your career or are interested in learning principles to protect and grow your wealth, Troy University is ready to help those who want to make a commitment to their future […]

Leadership and personal finance are the focus of TROY’s two free online classes this summer

Whether you’re interested in building valuable leadership skills to propel your career or are interested in learning principles to protect and grow your wealth, Troy University is ready to help those who want to make a commitment to their future by offering two free courses this summer. TROY’s online courses have been ranked among the […]

Reminder about superseded HLT First Aid units

An important reminder regarding first aid training: HLTAID001-HLTAID008 should no longer be delivered by any provider after July 1, 2022. For more information, please click here.

Skilled migration and visa backlog in focus at Anthony Albanese’s first National Cabinet meeting

The visa backlog must be addressed to allow migration to be harnessed to combat skill shortages plaguing the country, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Mr Albanese hosted his first National Cabinet meeting on Friday, where state and territory leaders directly raised the issue of fast-tracking targeted migration with him. The migration program is still […]

Students shun unis in favour of trades, vocational courses

Australian students have turned away from university degrees in favour of trades and vocational courses, the latest census data has revealed. In 2021, 177,032 more students were completing vocational studies, which included courses offered by TAFE and private training providers, compared to 2016. In that same time period, there were just 24,824 more people studying […]

Productivity, Migration and Skills

At a national level, the question is: what is the link between education and growth? That is a question the Productivity Commission is grappling with in the context of our 5-year Productivity Review. It’s not simple and to show why I want to start two claims: one bland and one more controversial. The bland one […]

Message from the CEO (27 June 2022)

Message from the CEO The VET Sector is an online magazine and newsletter that is dedicated to providing information, resources, and articles for all stakeholders of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). In each edition, we cover topics that are relevant and important to RTOs, such as compliance, resources, and best practices. Our goal is to provide […]

An operational plan for your training organisation

An operational plan is a document that outlines the key components of a training organisation’s operations. It includes information on the organisation’s structure, staffing, facilities, equipment, and procedures. An operational plan is an important tool for ensuring that a training organisation runs smoothly and efficiently. A training organisation needs an operational plan in order to […]

A strategic plan for your training organisation

A strategic plan is a roadmap for an organisation’s journey to success. It sets out the organisation’s goals and how it intends to achieve them. A strategic plan is essential for any training organisation that wants to grow and be successful. Without a strategic plan, a training organisation is likely to flounder. Its goals will […]

The four key pillars of the strategic plan for a training organisation

As an RTO, it is important to have a strategic plan in place in order to ensure continued success. The four key pillars of a successful RTO’s strategic plan are quality, innovation, service, and growth. These pillars are essential in ensuring that the organisation can provide effective training that meets the needs of its clients. […]

Why does the regulatory legislation change frequently?

As a training organisation in Australia, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest changes in regulatory legislation. This is because the regulatory environment in Australia is constantly changing, and new legislative requirements are introduced on a regular basis. The rapidly changing regulatory landscape for training organisations in Australia can be attributed to a […]

What to do when legislation changes.

When a new law or regulation is enacted that affects the operation of training organisations in Australia, it is important to take steps to ensure compliance. Depending on the nature of the change, this may involve modifying existing policies and procedures, developing new ones, or both. There are a number of ways to stay up-to-date […]

Maintain compliance and regulatory register to record legislation change

You can be asked by the regulatory body to demonstrate how you identify legislation change, what you did to demonstrate compliance and how the information related to legislation and regulatory changes and their impact on the training organisation was communicated to the RTO stakeholders so that everyone stays up-to-date within your training organisation. SRTOs 2015 […]

Check yourself before you wreck yourself.

When it comes to compliance, it’s always better to be proactive than reactive. That’s why training organisations need to conduct regular internal audits in order to ensure that their practices are up to par. By doing so, they can avoid the potential consequences of non-compliance, which can include hefty fines and damage to their reputation. […]

Set boundaries, establish guidelines, and work within them.

Organisations providing training services have a responsibility to ensure that their activities are carried out in a manner that is compliant with the expectations of the relevant regulatory bodies. This includes setting boundaries and establishing guidelines for staff and clients. As a training organisation, it’s important to set boundaries and establish guidelines. This will help […]

Operate from a position of compliance.

The Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) regulatory framework is dynamic. There are regular changes to standards, requirements and conditions. As a provider of training services, you need to stay up-to-date with these changes to ensure you continue to operate from a position of compliance. Here’s a breakdown of some key areas relating to compliance […]

Compliance is more than just following rules and regulations.

Organisations today face an increasingly complex regulatory environment. To meet their compliance obligations, they need to have a strong compliance program in place. Compliance is a process, a mindset, a culture, and a team effort. It’s continuous, and it’s about more than just following rules and regulations. It’s about risk management, people, and communication. When […]

The students deserve to be treated as more than just a revenue stream

It is no secret that the cost of living in Australia is high. This is especially true for students, who often have to take on part-time jobs in addition to their studies just to make ends meet. Unfortunately, this means that they are often treated as nothing more than a revenue stream by both the […]

Australia has the world’s second-worst skills crisis.

According to a new analysis, businesses in Australia are in the midst of a skills crisis, and the country ranks second-worst among industrialised and developed nations for its lack of trained skilled workers. This places Australia in the middle of a skills crisis. As of the end of the March quarter, roughly three per cent […]

Working in a toxic workplace can lead to serious health problems.

It’s no secret that working in a toxic work environment can have serious consequences for your health. From anxiety and depression to physical health problems, the effects of a toxic workplace can be far-reaching and devastating. When talking about a “toxic work environment”, what comes to mind for most people are things like office politics, […]

The complaint management processes for a training organisation

It is a requirement of the Standards for RTOs 2015 that all Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) have a system in place to manage complaints. This means having procedures and processes in place to handle any complaints made by learners, employees, employers, and other members of the public. The system should be accessible to all stakeholders […]

Customer complaints are your opportunity to drive continuous improvement

There is no organisation that isn’t subject to complaints from time to time. In the case of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), complaints are governed by the Standards for RTOs 2015. Standard 6 requires RTOs to have a system in place for managing complaints. While it’s obviously important to deal with complaints in a timely and […]

Interview with Shiv Jaidka, CA, RTO Accounts

Profile: With 14+ years of experience, specialising in providing accounting and taxation services to RTOs and VET industry, we can help you with RTO’s financial reporting and tax compliance to eliminate the stress and confusion of meeting your ATO compliance. We can help you with the cash flow budgets and forecasts to avoid nasty surprises. […]

Continuous improvement theories and practices for a training organisation

A training organisation is always looking for ways to improve the quality of its services. Continuous improvement theories and practices can help to identify and implement improvements. The following are some theories and practices that can help a training organisation to improve continuously: Organisations need to identify the areas where they need to improve and […]

Different ways to approach continuous improvement within a training organisation

There are a number of different ways to approach continuous improvement within a training organisation. The most important thing is to identify the areas where improvement is needed and then develop a plan to address these areas. You must conduct a needs analysis. This involves looking at the training organisation as a whole and identifying […]

Seeking independent advice from an experienced RTO consultant

If you’re looking to set up or improve an RTO, it’s important to seek out independent advice from an experienced consultant. With so many different providers and options available, it can be hard to know who to trust. An experienced consultant will be able to help you navigate the maze of regulatory requirements, and develop […]

Privacy policy for your training organisation

There are strict privacy laws in Australia that cover how businesses can collect, use and disclose personal information. It is important for any training organisation to have a robust privacy policy in order to protect the personal information of their students and staff. This means having a privacy policy that sets out how you collect, […]

Why should you trust CAQA Resources as your RTO training resource provider

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you need to ensure that the training resources you use are of the highest quality. CAQA Resources is an Australian provider of quality-assured training materials, so you can be confident that our products will meet your needs. We offer a wide range of online and offline training materials, including […]

CAQA Resources – New training and assessment resources

This month’s new training and assessment resources: HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing CPC60220 Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) CPC50320 Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) Coming soon: CUA51020 Diploma of Screen and Media CUA51120 Diploma of Visual Arts AHC20416 Certificate II In Horticulture AHC30716 Certificate III In […]

Edu Learning – Your door to professional development opportunities

We would love to have you join our professional development retainer agreement services or individual professional development opportunities through Edu Learning. Our organisation works with the aim to help you grow your skills in a fun and interactive way. The benefits of joining our organisation are numerous, from getting tips from VET experts and industry […]

CAQA Systems Services

CAQA Systems provides technology services and support, and works in partnership with its customers. We collaborate with innovative organisations and service providers, assisting them in maximising the efficiency and effectiveness of their technology investments. We specialise in network administration, software systems and development, hardware and software support, software system and development, cybersecurity, information technology-related issues […]

CAQA Recruitment

Are you looking for staff? At CAQA Recruitment we help employers find talent for their organisation. We understand that hiring is a complex and sometimes costly process. However, it can be simplified and made easy on a budget by opting for our services. Our recruitment platform receives a huge number of interest from applicants who […]

Online Media Solutions (OMS) Services

Over the past two decades, Online Media Solutions (OMS) has provided assistance to clients worldwide. OMS merged into the CAQA and Career Calling brands in 2013. Services offered by Online Media Solutions include: website design and development; website security; web hosting; domains marketplace; development of iOS and Android applications; software development; graphics design including logos, […]

Best selling resources of this month

These are our top 10 best selling resources of this month: HLT54121 Diploma Of Nursing ICT40120 Certificate IV In Information Technology BSB40820 Certificate IV In Marketing And Communication BSB30120 Certificate III In Business BSB80320 Graduate Diploma Of Strategic Leadership 22483VIC Course In EAL CHC43315 Certificate IV In Mental Health HLT33115 Certificate III In Health Services […]

CAQA Recruitment – The current job vacancies

Resource writers CAQA Resources is looking for qualified instructional writers and subject matter experts to develop training materials for the community services and health services industries. If you are interested, email your resume and cover letter to info@caqarecruitment.com.au Marketing Manager This role is responsible for setting and applying the strategic direction and for the day […]

The VET Sector News (June 2022)

World University Rankings 2022 The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 include more than 1,600 universities across 99 countries and territories, making them the largest and most diverse university rankings to date. The table is based on 13 carefully calibrated performance indicators that measure an institution’s performance across four areas: teaching, research, knowledge transfer […]

What new gov’t in Australia means for int’l education

Industry leaders and experts are looking forward to working with the new government in Australia to usher in a recovery for the international education sectors in the country. Last week, Universities Australia, Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia and Independent Higher Education Australia welcomed Jason Clare on his appointment as minister for education. Along with addressing […]

World University Rankings 2022

World University Rankings 2022 The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 include more than 1,600 universities across 99 countries and territories, making them the largest and most diverse university rankings to date. The table is based on 13 carefully calibrated performance indicators that measure an institution’s performance across four areas: teaching, research, knowledge transfer […]

Message from the CEO (12 June 2022)

Message from the CEO Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read this edition of our newsletter! In this issue, we will talk about how the processes at ASQA have slowed down significantly, as well as a number of articles that are relevant to compliance and regulations, and we will also talk about […]

CAQA Groups welcomes the new federal government.

The new federal government in Australia has been welcomed by CAQA Groups. The organisation said that the new government brings with it a “fresh perspective” on many issues and that they hope to see positive changes in the way the Australian education and training sector is governed. We are pleased to see that the new […]

Business plans for your training organisation

What is a Business Plan? A business plan is a written document that outlines the goals and objectives of a training organisation. It also includes a detailed analysis of the market, the competition, outlining goals, strategies and objectives and the financial status of the company. A business plan is an important tool for any training […]

Marketing plan for your training organisation

What is a marketing plan? A marketing plan is a strategic document that outlines the main goals and objectives of a training organisation, as well as the strategies and tactics that will be used to achieve them. Its purpose is to ensure that all marketing activities are aligned with the overall business strategy and to […]

Compliance is the essential element that holds together effective business communications.

The act of compliance refers to the process of conforming to set rules, regulations or standards. Rules and regulations are the formal requirements that must be met in order to operate legally. Standards are the accepted ways of doing things that have been agreed upon by those in the know. In a business context, compliance […]

How trainers and assessors keep a training organisation compliant.

Organisations face many compliance risks, and a key part of managing these risks is ensuring that learners receive quality training according to the policies and procedures of the training organisation and set standards, guidelines and regulations set by the regulatory body and Australian Government. This is where trainers play a vital role in maintaining compliance […]

Governance is key to maintaining compliance.

One of the key aspects of running a successful training organisation is effective governance. Good governance helps to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards, as well as providing a framework for making decisions about organisational strategy and operations. By having a clear and concise governance framework in place, you can ensure that your organisation […]

Education, training, and audits are essential to ensure compliance.

It is essential for training organisations to have systems and procedures in place to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Education, training, and audit are key components of these compliance systems. Education ensures that employees are aware of their responsibilities and the consequences of non-compliance. Education on what is compliant and what is not compliant is […]

Instructional design concepts for electronic materials

There is no question that the way we design and develop instructional materials has changed dramatically in recent years. The prevalence of digital media and advances in technology have had a profound impact on how we create and deliver instruction. In many ways, these changes have made our jobs as instructional designers more challenging. We […]

The different types of interactivity for your learning and assessment resources

Interactivity is a key aspect of eLearning. It can help to engage learners, making the learning process more enjoyable and effective. There are different types of interactivity that you can use in your learning and assessment resources. Here are some examples: Type 1: Active Interactivity This type of interactivity requires the learner to take some […]

The inclusion of a variety of approaches and techniques for presenting information and activities

When creating instructional materials, it is important to include a variety of approaches and techniques to engage learners and optimise learning. The best way to present information and activities will vary depending on the topic, audience, and format of the material. Here we will discuss some key concepts in instructional design for electronic materials. One […]

The different types of e-learning solutions

You will be required to analyse trends in e-learning, monitor and evaluate one e-learning solution set up for one business need or the needs of a specified user group, document, review and evaluate the e-learning resources and policies, procedures to meet organisational and individual learner needs. make recommendations for improvements. There are different types of […]

Engaging and retaining students in the vocational education and training sector

The vocational education and training (VET) sector has undergone significant changes in recent years. There has been a move away from traditional classroom-based teaching to more experiential, hands-on learning. This shift has brought with it a number of challenges but also some important lessons that can be applied more broadly. One of the biggest challenges […]

Organisations that offer information, advice, and support for VET students and providers in Australia

There are a number of vocational education and training (VET) resources available in Australia. Here are some of the best ones: The Australian Government’s MySkills website is a great starting point for anyone looking for information on VET courses and providers. The website provides a searchable database of over 22,000 VET courses and programs, as […]

The value of the critical contribution of the private training sector

Photo courtesy: NCVER The private training sector is a critical contributor to Australia’s vocational education and training system. Currently, the private sector delivers 70% of vocational education and training in Australia. This includes the delivery of accredited courses that helps people develop new skills or improve their existing ones. The private sector plays an important […]

The evolution of the employee – past vs. future requirements

The skills and knowledge gap The 21st-century workplace has seen a dramatic shift in the skills and knowledge required of employees. Whereas in the past, workers might have been able to get by with a limited skill set, today’s businesses require their employees to be highly skilled and knowledgeable in order to stay competitive. This […]

Interview with the compliance guru-Shruti Nargundkar, Director and Principal Consultant, Nextext

Profile: Shruti is an education innovator, quality and compliance consultant entrepreneur and manager with over 35 years of experience in education across secondary school, English Language, Vocational Education and Training and Higher Education in Australia as well as internationally. Shruti is the founding director of NEXTEXT, a vocational education and quality and compliance consultancy that […]

Develop high-quality e-learning content that considers the demographics of the learners.

As more and more training organisations move their operations online, the demand for high-quality e-learning content is skyrocketing. But what makes for high-quality e-learning content? And how can you ensure that your content considers the demographics of your learners? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to these questions, but there are some general principles that you can […]

The cost of living is hurting international students

Living costs in Australia are soaring, and international students are feeling the pinch. Some are being forced to rely on food vouchers and charity to get by. The cost of living in Australia has been rising steadily over the past few years, and international students are feeling the pinch more than most. With tuition fees […]

How to be an LGBT+ Inclusive Training organisation

LGBT+ collectively refers to people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, and to people with gender expressions outside traditional norms, including nonbinary, intersex, and other queer people (and those questioning their gender identity or sexual orientation), along with their allies. There are a number of things that training organisations can do to be […]

The education and training portfolios have received key ministerial appointments

The key portfolios of education, skills and training each have a new minister thanks to the appointments made by the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. Tanya Plibersek, who held the portfolio in the Opposition and will now transfer to Environment and Water, has been replaced as Minister for Education by Jason Clare, who acted as Labor’s […]

Australia faces one of the largest skills shortages of our time.

According to a study conducted by KellyOCG, a global outsourcing and consulting firm that specialises in providing workforce strategy, solutions, and operations, only 12 percent of respondents believed hybrid work had a positive impact on their company culture, which is significantly lower than the global average of 21 percent. Thirty-seven percent of those surveyed said […]

How To Stay Compliant Without Spending A Fortune On Consultants

The vocational education and training (VET) industry is highly regulated, with a complex web of federal and state laws and regulations. Staying compliant can be a full-time job in itself – and an expensive one, if you rely on consultants to help you navigate the compliance minefield. But it doesn’t have to be that way. […]

How to protect the financial health of your training organisation

As a training organisation, you need to be financially healthy to survive and thrive. There are many things you can do to protect the financial health of your organisation, but here are ten of the most important: First, make sure you have a clear understanding of your costs. This includes both your fixed costs (e.g. […]

The disadvantages of ASQA not following ISO auditing management systems

The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) is the national regulator for the vocational education and training (VET) sector. ASQA is responsible for ensuring that all VET providers in Australia meet the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). However, ASQA does not follow an international ISO audit and administration model, which could lead to problems with […]

ASQA’s model for self-assurance and reality

ASQA has published a new model for self-assurance that providers can use to improve their practices. The new model should have set out the requirements for an effective self-assurance system and provided guidance on how providers can develop and implement such a system. However, what we can find online after extensive consultation and engagement that […]

Unrealistic timeframes of the regulatory body

The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) is the national regulatory body for the vocational education and training (VET) sector. ASQA’s primary role is to protect students and ensure that they receive high-quality training from registered training organisations (RTOs). ASQA has a range of service standards that it strives to meet, including: Providing clear and timely […]

Why should you trust CAQA Resources as your RTO training resource provider

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you need to ensure that the training resources you use are of the highest quality. CAQA Resources is an Australian provider of quality-assured training materials, so you can be confident that our products will meet your needs. We offer a wide range of online and offline training materials, including […]

CAQA Resources – New training and assessment resources

This month’s new training and assessment resources: HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing CPC60220 Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) CPC50320 Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) Coming soon: CUA51020 Diploma of Screen and Media CUA51120 Diploma of Visual Arts AHC20416 Certificate II In Horticulture AHC30716 Certificate III In […]

Edu Learning – Your door to professional development opportunities

We would love to have you join our professional development retainer agreement services or individual professional development opportunities through Edu Learning. Our organisation works with the aim to help you grow your skills in a fun and interactive way. The benefits of joining our organisation are numerous, from getting tips from VET experts and industry […]

CAQA Systems Services

CAQA Systems provides technology services and support, and works in partnership with its customers. We collaborate with innovative organisations and service providers, assisting them in maximising the efficiency and effectiveness of their technology investments. We specialise in network administration, software systems and development, hardware and software support, software system and development, cybersecurity, information technology-related issues […]

CAQA Recruitment

Are you looking for staff? At CAQA Recruitment we help employers find talent for their organisation. We understand that hiring is a complex and sometimes costly process. However, it can be simplified and made easy on a budget by opting for our services. Our recruitment platform receives a huge number of interest from applicants who […]

Online Media Solutions (OMS) Services

Over the past two decades, Online Media Solutions (OMS) has provided assistance to clients worldwide. OMS merged into the CAQA and Career Calling brands in 2013. Services offered by Online Media Solutions include: website design and development; website security; web hosting; domains marketplace; development of iOS and Android applications; software development; graphics design including logos, […]

Best selling resources of this month

These are our top 10 best selling resources of this month: HLT54121 Diploma Of Nursing ICT40120 Certificate IV In Information Technology BSB40820 Certificate IV In Marketing And Communication BSB30120 Certificate III In Business BSB80320 Graduate Diploma Of Strategic Leadership 22483VIC Course In EAL CHC43315 Certificate IV In Mental Health HLT33115 Certificate III In Health Services […]

CAQA Recruitment – The current job vacancies

Resource writers CAQA Resources is looking for qualified instructional writers and subject matter experts to develop training materials for the community services and health services industries. If you are interested, email your resume and cover letter to info@caqarecruitment.com.au Marketing Manager This role is responsible for setting and applying the strategic direction and for the day […]

The VET Sector News- June 2022

World University Rankings 2022 The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 include more than 1,600 universities across 99 countries and territories, making them the largest and most diverse university rankings to date. The table is based on 13 carefully calibrated performance indicators that measure an institution’s performance across four areas: teaching, research, knowledge transfer […]

Make research integrity training mandatory, say 73% of Australian researchers

The results of the first national survey to investigate research integrity in Australia, a collaboration between the Australian Academy of Science and publisher Springer Nature, indicate broad support for mandatory research integrity training. The survey found that whilst 68% of respondents stated that their institution offered research integrity related training and 50% stated it was […]

Australia has second-worst skills crisis in developed world

Australia is experiencing the second most severe labour shortages in the developed world, according to the latest OECD economic outlook, reinforcing calls for immediate government action to fix the skills crisis. A record almost 3 per cent of all jobs were vacant in the March quarter, with 420,000 out of about 15 million positions waiting […]

Swinburne climbs 25 places to Top 300 globally

Swinburne University of Technology has climbed 25 places to number 296 in the QS University World Rankings 2023, claiming a coveted Top 300 spot. The latest rankings success follows a period of significant growth and achievement for Swinburne, with the university rising more than 200 places in the QS rankings since 2015. The result confirms […]

Aus: $110m student housing opens in Adelaide

The building, which can accommodate 725 students, is one of Adelaide’s tallest at 118 metres and features study spaces, outdoor terraces, a gym, cinema, communal kitchens and lounges. Yugo, a global student housing operator that launched last year in a merger of three of GSA’s brands, is managing the accommodation. The company says it has […]

Australian visa backlog keeping engineers out of country amid skills shortage

The engineering job vacancy rate has increased 97% in 12 months, something the main industry body, Engineers Australia, fears could have a “catastrophic” impact, including by delaying major infrastructure projects relied upon for the nation’s economic recovery. The wait times for the 476 visa – designed for recent engineering graduates who want to live, work […]

Australian PM under pressure to increase migrant intake to address dire worker shortage

New Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is under pressure to lift the nation’s migration intake cap due to a dire shortage of workers that is forcing some businesses to restrict hours and services. Before the pandemic, Australia easily filled its annual quota, which has been set at about 160,000 permanent migrants a year since 2017. […]

UK losing ground on international PhD student recruitment

The UK is losing ground to Germany, Canada and Australia in attracting international doctoral students despite its success in recruiting Chinese postgraduates, a new study says. While the UK remains the biggest destination for PhD students outside the US, the overall number of international doctoral candidates has fallen by 5 per cent, or about 2,400 […]

Young workers wired in to become most in-demand tradies in Australia

Electricians are among the most in-demand tradespeople in Australia, according to the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). And employers find it difficult to attract suitably qualified and experienced tradespeople. With growth projected in the construction and infrastructure sectors and a strong uptake in renewable energy, the skills shortages only look likely to worsen. For more […]

What new gov’t in Australia means for int’l education

Industry leaders and experts are looking forward to working with the new government in Australia to usher in a recovery for the international education sectors in the country. Last week, Universities Australia, Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia and Independent Higher Education Australia welcomed Jason Clare on his appointment as minister for education. Along with addressing […]

World University Rankings 2022

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 include more than 1,600 universities across 99 countries and territories, making them the largest and most diverse university rankings to date. The table is based on 13 carefully calibrated performance indicators that measure an institution’s performance across four areas: teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook. For […]

Message from the CEO (22 May 2022)

Message from the CEO As we usually say, change is the one thing that is consistent in the VET sector, and this month is no exception. The national regulatory body is going through a number of fundamental changes, and this is fantastic news for the Australian VET sector. When compared to a few years ago, […]

How to become a Registered Training Organisation in Australia.

There are a number of requirements that need to be met in order to become a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in Australia. These include: having a business name and ABN being a legal entity in Australia having appropriate insurance cover having a physical presence in Australia having suitably qualified staff having robust policies and procedures […]

How to become a trainer and assessor in Australia.

There is currently a high demand for qualified trainers and assessors in Australia, so if you have the relevant skills and qualifications, you should be able to find work in this field. Becoming a trainer and assessor can be a rewarding career choice, allowing you to share your knowledge and expertise with others. It can […]

Top 10 common AVETMISS issues and how to resolve them

All RTOs must collect a range of data from their students and report all their delivery activity (known as Total VET activity) to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), at least annually. This data is used to improve education and training outcomes for students, industry, and the community. Below are some of the […]

Quality Management Systems for Registered Training Organisations

Registered training organisations (RTOs) operate in a highly regulated environment. To be registered, RTOs must comply with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015. These Standards require RTOs to develop and implement a quality management system (QMS). A quality management system (QMS) is a formalised system that documents processes, procedures, and responsibilities for achieving […]

Developing Interpersonal Skills as a Trainer/Assessor is Critical in the Training and Education Industry.

The training and education industry is a vital part of our society. It helps to prepare people for work and to continue learning throughout their lives. Interpersonal skills are essential for any individual working in the training and education industry. They allow you to build positive relationships with both your students and your colleagues, which […]

What ongoing professional development is, and why it is important to your professional career

One of the most important things you can do for your professional career is to continue learning and growing. There are many different types of professional development (PD) opportunities available to you as a professional. What is PD, and why is it important? Professional development is a term used to describe any type of learning […]

How does technology in education based on the fourth industrial revolution differ from earlier approaches?

Was it ever brought to your attention that many of the working sectors or job titles upon which today’s children will construct a career in the future do not yet exist or have not yet been invented? Industry 4.0 has brought about many changes in the field of education. Cyber-physical systems, big data, and artificial […]

CAQA Labs – Virtual lab environment our experts are working on!

The benefits of a virtual lab for information technology and information system related subjects are many. A virtual lab provides a simulated environment that is very close to the actual environment where the students will be working after they graduate. In other words, a virtual lab allows students to experience what it is like to […]

Verification of trainer credentials

As an RTO business owner or manager, you understand the importance of having qualified and experienced staff. This is especially true when it comes to trainers, who play a vital role in ensuring your students are properly educated and trained. However, verifying the credentials and experience of trainers can be a time-consuming and difficult process. […]

The importance of having word limits in the summative assessment resources

One of the most important aspects of VET is summative assessment. Summative assessment resources play a vital role in ensuring that students are able to demonstrate their learning and progress. However, summative assessment resources can also be a source of frustration for both students and educators if they are not well managed and written. It […]

Scholarships for international students to study in Western Australia.

It’s possible that in the near future, international students may be able to study in Australia without having to pay full or partial tuition fees. According to a report from the Times of India, the state government of Western Australia (WA) is planning to invest 41.2 million Australian dollars in an effort to strengthen the […]

A draft model for self-assurance for training organisations

ASQA has developed a draft model for self-assurance for training organisations. The purpose of this model is to provide a framework within which training organisations can develop and operate their own quality assurance systems. The model sets out the key elements of an effective quality assurance system and includes guidance on how these elements can […]

Why should you invest time doing an assessment of your training organisation?

Investing time in assessing your training organisation can be extremely beneficial. It can help you to identify areas that need improvement, as well as any potential areas of growth. Additionally, conducting an assessment can help to ensure that your organisation is providing the best possible training experience for its students. Ultimately, this can lead to […]

Why the excessive bureaucracy of the government is bad for education and training industry.

If you are in the business of education and training, then you know that bureaucracy can be a real pain. It seems like every time you turn around, there is another government regulation or requirement that you have to deal with. And each one of these regulations comes with its own set of paperwork and […]

Compliance is not one person’s responsibility in a training organisation

In a training organisation, compliance is not just one person’s job. Compliance is the responsibility of everyone in the organisation, from the CEO down to the entry-level staff member. Sure, there may be someone whose job it is to oversee compliance related matters, but that doesn’t mean that they are the only one responsible for […]

The key stakeholders involved in the Australian vocational education and training sector

The education and training sector is vital to the success of any economy. It is responsible for providing the skills and knowledge necessary for people to participate in the workforce. The sector is also important for ensuring that individuals have the opportunity to develop their skills and abilities throughout their careers. There are many different […]

Why not being prepared in the vocational education and training industry is dangerous

If a training organisation is not prepared to either research, prepare, deliver, or evaluate the training program, it could be putting both itself and its students at risk. For example, imagine you’re a trainer who’s been asked to deliver a new program on short notice. If you’re not prepared, you may not be able to […]

Some lessons learned from working in the vocational education and training industry

The vocational education and training (VET) sector has a lot to offer students, employees and employers alike. It can provide pathways into careers, as well as upgrade existing skills and knowledge. There is a growing demand for VET courses, both in Australia and overseas. This means that there are plenty of opportunities for people who […]

Why should you trust CAQA Resources as your RTO training resource provider

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you need to ensure that the training resources you use are of the highest quality. CAQA Resources is an Australian provider of quality-assured training materials, so you can be confident that our products will meet your needs. We offer a wide range of online and offline training materials, including […]

CAQA Resources

This month new training and assessment resources: HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing CPC60220 Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) CPC50320 Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) Coming soon: CUA51020 Diploma of Screen and Media CUA51120 Diploma of Visual Arts AHC20416 Certificate II In Horticulture AHC30716 Certificate III In […]

Edu Learning – Your door to professional development opportunities

We would love to have you join our professional development retainer agreement services or individual professional development opportunities through Edu Learning. Our organisation works with the aim to help you grow your skills in a fun and interactive way. The benefits of joining our organisation are numerous, from getting tips from VET experts and industry […]

CAQA Systems Services

CAQA Systems provides technology services and support, and works in partnership with its customers. We collaborate with innovative organisations and service providers, assisting them in maximising the efficiency and effectiveness of their technology investments. We specialise in network administration, software systems and development, hardware and software support, software system and development, cybersecurity, information technology-related issues […]

CAQA Recruitment

Are you looking for staff? At CAQA Recruitment we help employers find talent for their organisation. We understand that hiring is a complex and sometimes costly process. However, it can be simplified and made easy on a budget by opting for our services. Our recruitment platform receives a huge number of interest from applicants who […]

Online Media Solutions (OMS) Services

Over the past two decades, Online Media Solutions (OMS) has provided assistance to clients worldwide. OMS merged into the CAQA and Career Calling brands in 2013. Services offered by Online Media Solutions include: website design and development; website security; web hosting; domains marketplace; development of iOS and Android applications; software development; graphics design including logos, […]

Best selling resources of May month

These are our top 10 best selling resources of this month: HLT54121 Diploma Of Nursing ICT40120 Certificate IV In Information Technology BSB40820 Certificate IV In Marketing And Communication BSB30120 Certificate III In Business BSB80320 Graduate Diploma Of Strategic Leadership 22483VIC Course In EAL CHC43315 Certificate IV In Mental Health HLT33115 Certificate III In Health Services […]

CAQA Recruitment – The current job vacancies

Resource writers CAQA Resources is looking for qualified instructional writers and subject matter experts to develop training materials for the community services and health services industries. If you are interested, email your resume and cover letter to info@caqarecruitment.com.au Marketing Manager This role is responsible for setting and applying the strategic direction and for the day […]

The VET Sector News- May 2022

Griffith TAFE is encouraging those seeking new jobs to get in touch about upcoming courses Griffith TAFE is encouraging those looking for new opportunities to come in and have a chat about possible futures and enrolment for semester two, just in time for National Careers Week. National Careers Week this year comes on May 16, […]

Griffith TAFE is encouraging those seeking new jobs to get in touch about upcoming courses

Griffith TAFE is encouraging those looking for new opportunities to come in and have a chat about possible futures and enrolment for semester two, just in time for National Careers Week. National Careers Week this year comes on May 16, just after a new report revealed 24 per cent of workers are actively pursuing new […]

TAFE eyes new debt collector to chase students

TAFE SA is searching for a new debt collection agency to recover more than $200,000 a month in unpaid fees by tracking down students, visiting their homes and making “phone demands” to pay up. TAFE SA has released a tender calling for expressions of interest for the provision of “Debt Recovery Services” from an “external […]

The value of volunteering: volunteering in education and productivity at work

The Education and Employers charity has been supporting people from the world of work to volunteer in schools and colleges since 2009, publishing peer-reviewed research on the benefits for young people’s confidence, career aspirations, attainment and employment outcomes. This latest research reveals the ‘mirror benefits’ for volunteers, drawing on a survey of 1,026 volunteers, detailed […]

Teaching digital skills: implications for VET educators – good practice guide

The rise of Industry 4.0 and the digital economy has highlighted the need for the general workforce to hold digital skills. But what are the implications for vocational education and training (VET) educators in ensuring the workforce is appropriately skilled? This guide highlights the implications for VET educators of the increasing need to include digital […]

Incorporating digital skills into VET delivery: good practice guide

Given its ties to industry, vocational education and training (VET) has a crucial role in ensuring the workforce possesses the skills for responding to Industry 4.0, with advanced technologies now entering workplaces and transforming how businesses operate. This good practice guide is intended to provide advice on incorporating digital skills into VET delivery for VET […]

Skilling the Australian workforce for the digital economy

This study explored the current digital skills demand and supply situation in Australia’s workforce. The research investigated the skills impact of digitalisation on two industry sectors—transport and logistics, and public safety and correctional services—as well as the wider workforce. The research culminated in a proposed Australian workplace digital skills framework to help identify digital skills […]

Why Universities Should Prioritize Student Success in IT Decision-Making

Students make up the backbone of every higher education institution. These inquisitive minds are the reason colleges and universities exist in the first place, so it stands to reason that the institution’s decisions should be made with the goal of supporting learners and their diverse needs. This philosophy should extend to the IT department. Every […]

Industry welcomes Labor’s commitment to hospitality skills training

Australia’s Labor Party has announced a $48 million tourism and travel package which includes a $10 million injection in training and skills development for the hospitality and accommodation sectors. Industry groups the Accommodation Association, Australian Hotels Association and Tourism Accommodation Australia, who have long called for additional funding for training, have welcomed the commitment. “As […]

Without foreign students and workers, retail sector calls for pensioners to fill staffing gaps

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has called on new government policy to unlock pensioner participation in a sector that is facing its tightest labour market in half a century, exacerbated by a lower inflow of international students and working holiday makers. The peak retail body is supporting calls to allow employment income to be exempt […]

International students are still being routinely exploited

Over the decade leading up to COVID, the exploitation of international students became systemic across the Australian economy. Multiple reports bemoaned the rampant wage theft from international students, especially from migrant employers of the same nationality. For example, the 2016 Senate Committee report, A National Disgrace: The Exploitation of Temporary Work Visa Holders, noted that […]

Major milestone for fee-free training in NSW

NSW is enjoying a fee-free training boom with more than 200,000 enrolments recorded under JobTrainer, a program helping people get skilled for in-demand jobs. Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government’s strong economic management means we can deliver programs such as JobTrainer to equip people with the skills they need to get their first job, […]

How Chinese young people embrace vocational education

China has attached great importance to the development of vocational education in recent years. Find out how Chinese young people embrace skills training at vocational schools. For more information, please click here.

Training the key to skills shortage

THE automotive industry is facing the most serious skills shortage in its history, ravaged by diminished apprentice intake, COVID and business contraction. In its manifesto that highlighted the needs of industry from a new federal government, the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) said there was a skilled labour deficit of 31,143 positions across the […]

Students “in limbo” during two-year wait for Australia visas

These students say they are “in limbo” as Australia’s Department of Home Affairs, which oversees immigration, refuses to provide a clear timeline of when students can expect to hear the outcome of their applications. Alokita, an Indian student, received an offer to study aerospace engineering at UNSW Canberra in September 2020 and was due to […]

What are the challenges facing Australia’s medical workforce crisis?

The health and welfare workforces deliver various services through Australia’s private and public organisations. However, there is an imbalance in the system as the extent of services delivered is way lesser than what is actually needed, primarily due to workforce crisis. The accurate picture of the healthcare workforce crisis in Australia was revealed during the […]

Vocational education: Change negative mindset

There is a narrative that has been around for a while tagging technical/vocational education as a last resort after one fails to advance in formal education. The other was that it’s the cheaper option if one failed to raise the tuition for instance to finish high school or to join university or if one had […]

NZ brings forward reopening to students, changes post-study work rights

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed that from July 31st all visitors will be able to enter the country, and that international students will be able to apply for visas. She said the reopening was part of a package of measures to support economic recovery and to fill labour shortages in the country. Working holiday visas […]

London universities plan “leading” international strategy

“Where London leads; I have no doubt the rest of the country will follow,” was the message from Chris Skidmore, former minister of state for universities, speaking to representatives from 25 of London’s higher education institutions at a roundtable event in Westminster this week. The event, organised by London Higher and Oxford International Education Group, […]

Message from the CEO (25 April 2022)

Message from the CEO We welcome you to our April edition of the VET sector magazine. We are pleased to announce that we will be releasing a new version of our flagship product, CAQA Labs in May. This product will be made available as a standalone software solution and also as part of our Information […]

Blended learning – The best of online and offline learning

Blended learning is a teaching approach that combines both online and offline learning. It offers the best of both worlds – the flexibility and convenience of online learning, combined with the personal touch and social interaction of offline learning. This approach has many benefits, including the ability to cater to different learning styles and providing […]

Interview with Forensic Auditor and CEO of VETPrep Australia – Alex Schroder

Alex is Australia’s leading VET Compliance Specialist, Forensic Auditor, and the CEO of VETPrep Australia. With qualifications Law, Commerce, Marketing, Management, Business, Quality Assurance and Strategic Leadership, Alex’s expertise is unsurpassed. She is the creator of the Certificate IV in RTO Compliance, Diploma of RTO Compliance Management, The RTO Standards Unpacked! and other courses. Alex […]

Practical demonstration – What to look for?

When observing a student during a practical demonstration, it is important to focus on both their technical ability and their methodology. For example, you should pay attention to whether the student is using proper technique when carrying out tasks, and whether they are following the correct steps in the demonstration. Additionally, it is also important […]

CAQA Analysis on NCVER’s Research Report – The four features of high-quality VET delivery.

It is widely accepted that high-quality vocational education and training (VET) is essential for achieving positive outcomes for both individuals and industry. However, there is still much debate about what factors make up a high-quality VET offering. In this article, we explore some of the key factors that registered training organisations (RTOs) should consider when […]

Inconsistent judgements by the auditors working with or for the regulatory body

Auditors are expected to use their judgement when conducting an audit. However, there can be inconsistencies in how different auditors exercise their judgement, which can lead to differences in the outcome of the audit. This can be a problem if the auditor’s judgement is not based on a sound understanding of: What the regulatory body’s […]

The Australian VET system is eroding, fragmenting, and dysfunctional.

New research is showing that Australia’s VET system displays indicators of erosion, fragmentation, and dysfunction. According to the findings of the study, conducted by the Australia Institute’s Centre for Future Work, profound and long-standing flaws with Australia’s vocational education and training system have not been remedied – and in some cases, have deteriorated. A senior […]

Strategic Review into First Aid units of competency in Western Australia

The Training Accreditation Council’s risk management approach to regulation is to consider the risks to the quality of vocational education and training outcomes on an ongoing basis. Underpinned by the Council’s Risk Framework, stakeholders are informed about the Council’s regulatory focus areas via its Regulatory Strategy. The Council’s Focus on Quality: Regulatory Strategy 2021-2023 identifies […]

The RTO complies with all relevant Commonwealth, state, and territorial laws and regulations

Your training organisation must comply with all relevant Commonwealth, state, and territorial laws and regulations. This includes (but is not limited to): The National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 The NVR Act also establishes the National Quality Framework (NQF). The NQF promotes high quality, nationally consistent training and assessment services. It does this […]

In what ways does copyright legislation apply to training organisations?

Copyright law is a set of laws that protect the intellectual property rights of authors. It prohibits the copying, distribution, performance, and display of other people’s work without their permission. Copyright law applies to training organisations in a number of ways as they are not exempt from copyright law. The training materials they produce can […]

Issuing qualifications to your own trainers, assessors and staff members

Qualifications are important. They ensure that trainers and assessors are current and competent in their fields. They also help to put a check on the quality of training provided by trainers and assessors. You may be tempted to issue qualifications to your own trainers, assessors and staff members for a number of reasons such as […]

What sort of RTO training resources does CAQA Resources offer?

CAQA Resources offers a range of training and assessment resources to help RTOs meet their compliance requirements. These resources include online courses, learning resources, templates, and more. Plus, our team of experts are available to provide customised support and advice when you need it. Our resources include: RTO Compliance manuals RTO policies and procedures Training […]

Quality training is one of the best investments a training organisation can make.

One of the most important investments a training organisation can make is in quality training resources. Training resources that meet training package requirements, industry needs and regulatory requirements can help ensure that your organisation provides effective and compliant training. High-quality training resources are essential for: Delivering an effective and consistent learning experience for your students; […]

Training providers must keep up with industry trends.

Organisations that provide training and assessment must keep up with the latest trends and developments in their industry if they wish to stay ahead of the competition. Additionally, they need to be able to provide learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to work effectively in a globalised economy. Training providers must keep up with […]

The Indo-Pacific will benefit from a historic free trade deal with India.

According to Australia’s trade minister, the historic trade agreement with India will contribute to the promotion of stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The agreement will result in the elimination of tariffs on more than 85 percent of Australian goods exported to India, which are currently worth more than $12 billion annually. Meanwhile, duty-free treatment will […]

How ASQA assess the RTO registration renewal

ASQA is responsible for the assessment and registration of RTOs. ASQA must be satisfied that an RTO is meeting the requirements of the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs 2015) for its registration to be renewed. ASQA takes a risk-management approach when they evaluate registration renewal applications. They use a structured process to assess applications […]

The use of third parties in delivering and assessing training in Australia under ASQA

Since its establishment in 2011, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has been responsible for regulating the quality of vocational education and training (VET) in Australia. ASQA is an independent statutory authority, governed by a board appointed by the Minister for Education and Training. One of ASQA’s key functions is to accredit training providers and […]

Marketing practices and regulatory requirements under ASQA

ASQA is the regulatory body for quality assurance in Australian vocational education and training (VET). ASQA is responsible for ensuring that all VET providers meet national quality standards. This includes marketing practices and regulatory requirements. Marketing is an important part of any business, and VET providers are no exception. ASQA requires that all marketing materials […]

How student welfare and support in Australia are governed by a set of regulations.

Student welfare and support is an important part of any education system, and Australia is no exception. Australia has a number of regulations in place to ensure that student welfare and support are maintained at a high standard. These regulations are outlined in a number of Acts and standards, such as: Standards for Registered Training […]

What to look for when choosing a student management system for a training institution

What is a Student Management System (SMS)? The student management system is basically a software to create, manage and track student related data and activities and report the required information to regulatory bodies. SMSs is the short form of student management systems. SMSs are now developed to handle practically every facet of a training organisation. […]

CAQA Labs – Virtual lab environment our experts are working on!

The benefits of a virtual lab for information technology and information system related subjects are many. First, the virtual lab provides a simulated environment that is very close to the actual environment where the students will be working after they graduate. In other words, a virtual lab allows students to experience what it is like […]

CAQA Resources

This month’s new training and assessment resources: HLTAID009 – Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation HLTAID010 – Provide basic emergency life support HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an education and care setting HLTAID013 – Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site HLTAID014 – Provide Advanced First Aid Coming soon: HLTAID015 – […]

Edu Learning – Your door to professional development opportunities

We would love to have you join our professional development retainer agreement services or individual professional development opportunities through Edu Learning. Our organisation works with the aim to help you grow your skills in a fun and interactive way. The benefits of joining our organisation are numerous, from getting tips from VET experts and industry […]

CAQA Systems Services

CAQA Systems provides technology services and support, and works in partnership with its customers. We collaborate with innovative organisations and service providers, assisting them in maximising the efficiency and effectiveness of their technology investments. We specialise in network administration, software systems and development, hardware and software support, software system and development, cybersecurity, information technology-related issues […]

CAQA Recruitment

Are you looking for staff? At CAQA Recruitment we help employers find talent for their organisation. We understand that hiring is a complex and sometimes costly process. However, it can be simplified and made easy on a budget by opting for our services. Our recruitment platform receives a huge number of interest from applicants who […]

Online Media Solutions (OMS) Services

Over the past two decades, Online Media Solutions (OMS) has provided assistance to clients worldwide. OMS merged into the CAQA and Career Calling brands in 2013. Services offered by Online Media Solutions include: website design and development; website security; web hosting; domains marketplace; development of iOS and Android applications; software development; graphics design including logos, […]

Best selling resources of this month

These are our top 10 best selling resources of this month: Learning And Assessment Kit-ICT40120 Certificate IV In Information Technology  Learning And Assessment Kit-BSB40820 Certificate IV In Marketing And Communication Learning And Assessment Kit-BSB30120 Certificate III In Business Learning And Assessment Kit-BSB80320 Graduate Diploma Of Strategic Leadership Learning And Assessment Kit-SHB30416 Certificate III In Hairdressing […]

CAQA Recruitment – The current job vacancies

Resource writers CAQA Resources is looking for qualified instructional writers and subject matter experts to develop training materials for the community services and health services industries. If you are interested, email your resume and cover letter to info@caqarecruitment.com.au Marketing Manager This role is responsible for setting and applying the strategic direction and for the day […]

VET Sector News- April 2022

Experts to support ASQA regulatory efforts, strategic vision The government has established a new national advisory council to support the best practice regulation of Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector. Peter Costantini will chair the new council, comprised of members professor Valerie Braithwaite, Renee Hindmarsh, Dr Grant Klinkum, Adrienne Nieuwenhuis, Neil Quarmby, and Dr […]

How colleges and universities are reimagining remote learning

Just two years ago, universities around the world closed their campuses at the pandemic’s onset, and embarked on a never-before-tried experiment: delivering education 100 percent remotely. The results have been mixed, especially in low- and middle-income countries, but universities everywhere agree that online classes are a permanent feature. The question is how to do it […]

National Microcredentials Framework

DESE has undertaken extensive consultation with the wider tertiary sector to develop the National Microcredentials Framework. The framework’s goal is to provide greater clarity and understanding within the tertiary education sector and amongst learners as to the value and recognition of microcredentials. The framework should also encourage transparency, consistency and objectivity in the sector around […]

How COVID-19 caused a global learning crisis

In McKinsey and Company’s latest report on unfinished learning, we examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student learning and well-being, and identify potential considerations for school systems as they support students in recovery and beyond. For more information, please visit How COVID-19 caused a global learning crisis | McKinsey

New guide will help course owners apply for course accreditation

ASQA has published a new guide to help course owners understand what they need to do when applying for course accreditation. The new guide will help course owners: interpret and apply the Standards for VET Accredited Courses 2021 and the Australian Qualifications Framework in the course documentation better understand the requirements for accreditation by providing […]

National Workforce Strategy

The National Workforce Strategy provides a framework for Government to work with to ensure sector-specific workforce plans are data-driven, enable and equip Australians to take up available work, remove barriers to participation, activate industry to drive change, and use migration to complement the domestic workforce. For more information, please visit National Workforce Strategy – Department […]

Advisory Group for VET Reforms

The Commonwealth, with all State and Territory Governments, are together progressing a program of significant structural reform of the VET system to improve efficiency, transparency and confidence in the sector and ensure Australians have access to high quality and relevant training. The Advisory Group for VET Reforms has been established in the context of the […]

Australian Skills Classification 2.0 released

The Australian Skills Classification helps define the skills that underpin jobs in Australia. As employers, workers, education providers and policy makers recognise that skills are the real currency of the labour market, the Australian Skills Classification can play a pivotal part in enabling new skills-based approaches to workforce and talent strategies, learning and development, and […]

The government has unveiled a plan to invest $900 million on Australia’s research infrastructure

The Australian Government has announced the introduction of the 2021 National Research Infrastructure (NRI) Roadmap, which will invest $900 million over five years in tools, technology, and skills to bolster Australia’s worldwide competitiveness in research. Acting Education and Youth Minister Stuart Robert stated that ensuring funding certainty for research and innovation would strengthen Australia’s comparative […]

Worldskills support youth to thrive

A comprehensive study commissioned by Worldskills Australia explores the views and attitudes of over 400 young apprentices, trainees, VET students and their mentors. The survey is to better understand what motivates them and discover how Worldskills can further encourage young people to consider pursuing a vocational skill. Amid significant and well-publicised labour shortages, a precarious […]

Technical and Vocational Education Market To Eyewitness Huge Growth: 2022, Regional Development Status, New Platforms and Advance Technologies by 2028

The research reports on the “Technical and Vocational Education Market” report give a detailed overview of the factors affecting the global scope of business. Information in the global Technical and Vocational Education market report provides forecast data for future market growth in global demand and supply. The report initially provides a basic overview of the […]

Building a safer and more sustainable future with apprenticeships and technical education

A major report into how world class skills training will support the construction industry to boost safety, sustainability, and the mental health of its workforce has been unveiled today. The findings of the Construction Route Review have been published by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE). A major report into how world class […]

How Australia can turn the digital skills deficit into an opportunity

Economics consulting firm AlphaBeta has estimated that 3.7 million Australian employees will need training in digital skills in the next year in order to cope with the changes in their jobs due to the pandemic. That’s a daunting figure, 29% of the workforce, especially as we face an acute shortage of people with the skills […]

Australia extends support for Vietnam’s vocational education, training

The Australian Embassy in Vietnam and Vietnam’s Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) on April 14 launched Australia’s next phase of support for Vietnam’s vocational education and training (VET). Over the past four years, Aus4Skills strengthened the engagement of Vietnam’s logistics industry in VET to help ensure that students graduate with the skills […]

Experts to support ASQA regulatory efforts, strategic vision

The government has established a new national advisory council to support the best practice regulation of Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector. Peter Costantini will chair the new council, comprised of members professor Valerie Braithwaite, Renee Hindmarsh, Dr Grant Klinkum, Adrienne Nieuwenhuis, Neil Quarmby, and Dr Don Zoellner. The expert Vocational Education and Training […]

Message from the CEO (23 March 2022)

Message from the CEO We welcome you to our March edition of the VET sector magazine. In this edition, there are articles discussing the NCVER submission, CEO declaration of Compliance, transition planning and much more. We thank you for taking the time to read this publication and we hope it provides you with useful information. […]

How to ensure your training organisation is compliant with government regulations

If you’re running a vocational education and training organisation in Australia, you need to ensure that your organisation is compliant with government regulations. This article will outline some of the regulations that you need to be aware of, and provide tips on how to ensure compliance. The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) The Australian Skills […]

Australians are poorly prepared for the digital workplace

The digital age is upon us and with it comes new opportunities and challenges in the workplace. However, a recent study by Global Digital Skills Index 2022 Digital Skills Index has found that Australians are unprepared for the digital workplace, lagging behind other countries in terms of their use of technology. According to the recently […]

NCVER Submission – How to report AVETMISS data through NCVER tools

Our consultancy department has received a number of inquiries where registered training organisations asked us to provide an article on reporting AVETMISS data through NCVER tools. Here it is: Step 1: Visit the RTO Hub section provided by NCVER RTO Hub has all the reporting tools, support, information related to key details, and other important […]

The CEO Declaration of Compliance

Have you ever stopped to wonder why, when you return to Australia, border officials ask you “Do you have anything to declare?” There are a few reasons for this. Australia imposes taxes on goods entering the country, and in order to protect those tariffs, we restrict the things that can be imported duty-free. Australia, like […]

Transition planning and requirements

The training packages are updated on a regular basis to ensure that they continue to meet industry and regulatory requirements. Training organisations are expected to perform a significant amount of maintenance work when there is a transition to a new package. The failure to manage transition planning can have negative consequences for your training organisation, […]

Requirements to enrol learners in your courses

There are specific prerequisites that must be met prior to student enrolment or the beginning of training and assessment, whichever occurs first. In addition, the RTO should advise the prospective learner on the training product that will best meet his or her needs while taking into consideration the individual’s existing skills and competencies. So what […]

Check the language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) requirements of your learners

Assessing language, literacy and numeracy requirements before enrolling a student in a course is an important task for a training organisation. The best way to check the requirements is by using a Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) tool. An LLN Assessment helps you determine the language, literacy and numeracy levels of learners that you would […]

The relationship between the training organisation and the regulatory body

The relationship between the training organisation and the regulatory body is important for both organisations. The regulatory body acts according to set standards that the training organisation must meet, and the training organisation provides the quality training and assessment that must meet the regulatory requirements and best practices of the industry. This relationship should be […]

What characteristics define a successful online learner?

Successful online learners have a few qualities in common with one another. They are self-motivated and disciplined, have solid time management abilities, have basic technical skills, and are effective communicators, among other characteristics. Self-motivated and disciplined Self-motivation is essential for achieving success in any effort, but it is particularly critical in online learning. Because online […]

Importance of providing a good educational environment to online learners

It is important to provide a good educational environment for online learners for several reasons. Education should be provided in a way that is beneficial for all learners, both those who have no knowledge of anything at all and those who have a lot of knowledge about a specific topic. The educational environment should also […]

What is the criteria that defines a successful trainer and assessor?

A trainer is someone who has the skills to teach others and an assessor is someone who has the skills to assess the competency of someone. A good trainer and assessor have the ability to understand their student’s needs, provide relevant content and also help the students learn new skills in a short period of […]

For Australia’s future, incorporating cyber security into our education system is “critical.”

As Australia increasingly moves towards a digital economy, it is becoming more and more important for our young people to be equipped with the skills and knowledge to protect themselves and our nation from cyber threats. That’s why the Australian government is working hard to promote cyber security in our schools, vocational education and training […]

In February 2022, international student arrivals in Australia reached a ‘super-strong’ level.

According to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 28,030 international students arrived in Australia in January 2022, an increase from 27,670 students who arrived in the same month the previous year. At the beginning of February, the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services, and Multicultural Affairs, Alex Hawke, stated that Australia is welcoming […]

A new study indicates that 82 per cent seek gender and sexuality diversity subjects such as Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) in education.

According to a new study released by Western Sydney University, 82 percent of Australian parents want gender and sexuality diversity discussed in the classroom. The study, conducted by Associate Professor Jacqueline Ullman and Associate Professor Tania Ferfolja from the School of Education, is the first of its kind in Australia to comprehensively survey parents on […]

On the way to becoming a renewable superpower, Australia is confronted with a severe skills shortage.

Danny Nielsen, the new Senior Vice President and Country Head of Vestas in Australia and New Zealand, has warned that the country is facing a skills shortage in the renewable energy sector, as the roll out of larger and more complex wind and solar projects accelerates in order to populate renewable energy zones and meet […]

The Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE) has launched a free, expedited skills assessment framework for skilled migrants.

The Australian Government has identified skills shortages in the job market in some industries, which have been exacerbated by border closures as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, as a problem that requires immediate attention. The gravity of the situation has prompted the creation of one-of-a-kind and significant incentives that might aid around 9,500 onshore […]

CAQA Labs – Virtual lab environment our experts are working on!

The benefits of a virtual lab for information technology and information system related subjects are many. First, the virtual lab provides a simulated environment that is very close to the actual environment where the students will be working after they graduate. In other words, a virtual lab allows students to experience what it is like […]

CAQA Resources

This month’s new training and assessment resources: CPC10120 Certificate I in Construction CPC20220 Certificate II in Construction Pathways CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry CPC30620 Certificate III in Painting & Decorating CPC31320 Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) CPC40120 Certificate […]

Edu Learning – Your door to professional development opportunities

We would love to have you join our professional development retainer agreement services or individual professional development opportunities through Edu Learning. Our organisation works with the aim to help you grow your skills in a fun and interactive way. The benefits of joining our organisation are numerous, from getting tips from VET experts and industry […]

CAQA Systems Services

CAQA Systems provides technology services and support, and works in partnership with its customers. We collaborate with innovative organisations and service providers, assisting them in maximising the efficiency and effectiveness of their technology investments. We specialise in network administration, software systems and development, hardware and software support, software system and development, cybersecurity, information technology-related issues […]

Online Media Solutions (OMS) Services

Over the past two decades, Online Media Solutions (OMS) has provided assistance to clients worldwide. OMS merged into the CAQA and Career Calling brands in 2013. Services offered by Online Media Solutions include: website design and development; website security; web hosting; domains marketplace; development of iOS and Android applications; software development; graphics design including logos, […]

CAQA Recruitment

Are you looking for staff? At CAQA Recruitment we help employers find talent for their organisation. We understand that hiring is a complex and sometimes costly process. However, it can be simplified and made easy on a budget by opting for our services. Our recruitment platform receives a huge number of interest from applicants who […]

Best selling resources of this month

These are our top 10 best selling resources of this month: 1. Learning And Assessment Kit-HLT54121 Diploma Of Nursing 2. Learning And Assessment Kit-ICT40120 Certificate IV In Information Technology 3. Learning And Assessment Kit-BSB40820 Certificate IV In Marketing And Communication 4. Learning And Assessment Kit-BSB30120 Certificate III In Business 5. Learning And Assessment Kit-BSB80320 Graduate […]

Client testimonials – March 2022

Making a difference in the lives of our client’s in the RTO and Higher Education spaces is our highest priority. Sharing their success brings us pride in everything we do. “I came across Sukh Sandhu through a professional referral in March 2021 when we acquired an RTO. Since day one, Sukh has been very approachable […]

CAQA Recruitment – The current job vacancies

Resource writers CAQA Resources is looking for qualified instructional writers and subject matter experts to develop training materials for the community services and health services industries. If you are interested, email your resume and cover letter to info@caqarecruitment.com.au Marketing Manager This role is responsible for setting and applying the strategic direction and for the day […]

Supporting Students with Disabilities in Vocational Education and Training

The Department of Education, Skills and Employment has funded the Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET) to carry out three projects as part of the program of works to transform the capacity of and provide support to a diverse range of Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers to assist them in supporting students […]

Review of the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) legislative framework

The Review will examine how the ESOS regulatory framework can evolve to support Australia’s international education sector to innovate and diversify, while continuing to protect Australia’s international reputation as a quality education destination. On 10 February 2022, the Department launched a public consultation as part of the Review process to seek views on the following […]

VET Sector News- March 2022

ASQA announced as national training package assurance body The Australian Government today announced the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as the independent body to be responsible for training package assurance from 1 January 2023. This independent assurance function, which forms part of a broader suite of Australian Government reforms to the vocational education and training […]

UK, Australia may score over Canada for Indian students, shows data

If 2021 saw Canada post a manifold growth in intake of international students, especially from India, the upcoming Fall 2022 season may find the scales tipped in favour of the UK and Australia, along with the US, as top destinations. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) figures recorded a jump of over 300 per […]

Clinical trial finds a new therapy to lower cholesterol and stabilise plaques associated with heart attack

A novel new therapy has been found to reduce harmful plaque in arteries and change its composition so it is less likely to rupture and cause a heart attack, following a clinical trial led by the Victorian Heart Institute (VHI) at Monash University. Read the media release here. For more information, please visit here.

Five Trends The EdTech Industry Should Pay Attention To In 2022

Education technology is an industry that is expected to surpass $377 billion by 2028. From my perspective, the reason for this expected growth is the emergence of new technologies and the changing needs of students. As social media and the internet continue to become a greater part of our lives, they’re also going to become […]

Foreign students back to pre-pandemic numbers

International student numbers at universities and vocational education have bounced back to above pre-pandemic levels, with the number of students commencing studies higher than in 2019. However, that is at odds with the English-language and school sectors, which have both been decimated and show no signs that students are responding in any significant numbers to […]

Australian universities: How much does it cost to send your child there? (2022)

There is no nice way to say this: Be prepared to bleed your soul dry paying for an Australian university education. International students are a huge revenue source for Australian universities, and they’ve been taking full advantage of it by hiking up their fees outrageously over the years. Let’s take a look at the annual […]

ASIC’s ambitious goal to give advice to Australia’s youth

With the under 21 demographic priced out of financial advice, ASIC has released a new website to help boost financial literacy in the next generation of adults. The corporate regulator’s new Get Moneysmart website covers making decisions with money, managing debt and planning for the future (moving out of home, car loans, weddings and even […]

Does competency have to be the only way VET is delivered? – comment by CEO Jenny Dodd

In a competency system the standards that industry requires to be demonstrated are set out. That is, the outcomes are defined but not the process to get there. However, in a curriculum-based environment the learning outcomes are defined. That is, the process through which the learner undergoes capability development to achieve the outcomes is defined. […]

Domestic violence prevention program receives high praise from ACER

An ACER evaluation has found Griffith University’s MATE Bystander Program to be highly effective at equipping people with the tools and understanding to step in and address problematic behaviour, prevent violence against women, racism and discrimination, and promote equality. Domestic and gender-based violence is a huge concern in Australia, affecting up to one in four […]

Part-time work focus for international students a ‘time bomb’

The Australian government’s approach to boosting international education by uncapping part-time work rights is not a “gesture of support” for students but about providing “a supplementary workforce for corporate Australia”, a conference has heard. Phil Honeywood, head of the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), told a Universities UK forum that the result could also […]

ASQA announced as national training package assurance body

The Australian Government today announced the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as the independent body to be responsible for training package assurance from 1 January 2023. This independent assurance function, which forms part of a broader suite of Australian Government reforms to the vocational education and training (VET) system, will see ASQA assessing training packages […]

Message from the CEO (20 Feb 2022)

Message from the CEO To know that the regulating body is revising its past practises in order to put more emphasis on positive things in the future such as working in collaboration with industry is a wonderful feeling. We’ve included some articles on topics such as the metaverse, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence in this […]

Reasonable adjustments in the learning environment

What is a reasonable adjustment? In vocational education and training (VET), the term reasonable adjustment refers to adjusting the learning environment or making adjustments to the training or assessments offered. This is to provide a student with additional needs and/or requirements the same learning opportunities as a student with no barriers to learning. Simple changes […]

CAQA Online forums, CAQA Info for maintaining your compliance and regulatory knowledge

CAQA Online forums provide information for RTO professionals. The purpose of the forums is to support compliance and regulatory knowledge with the help of other professionals in the field. Some of the benefits of subscribing to our online forums are that it provides access to knowledge sharing and networking opportunities among peers in the vocational […]

RTO compliance guide to buy compliant assessment resources

According to almost all ASQA reports, getting an assessment right is one of an RTO’s most difficult compliance issues, with a substantial number of RTOs, audited being found to be non-compliant with clause 1.8 (ASQA’s 2017 report showed around 72% RTOs failed audit on assessment resources). This is what we notice as well whenever we […]

How artificial intelligence and machine learning will change the education and training industry

There’s a lot of talk about artificial intelligence and machine learning today, but what exactly is it? Machine learning is a process of developing computer programs that can learn from data without being explicitly programmed by a human. This gives it the ability to process large amounts of data and find patterns within them. Its […]

What types of jobs are likely to be in demand in the future?

The future of work is a difficult topic to discuss because we do not know what the future will bring. However, there are some trends that can be predicted with a high degree of certainty. The jobs in the future will be more focused on people and their skill sets. As automation becomes more prevalent […]

According to ResearchAndMarkets.com, more personalised learning opportunities will present opportunities in the global e-learning market by 2030.

The Global E-Learning Market report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering. E-learning is a learning system based on formalised teaching with the help of electronic resources. E-learning saves both time and money as video recorded lectures are easy to record and repeat whenever necessary. In addition, it helps to manage the schedule of students as […]

Why Australia is falling behind New Zealand in terms of digital (in)accessibility

The findings of a new study by Infosys suggest that Australia lags behind New Zealand when it comes to ensuring that all digital properties are accessible, such as making mobile banking and digital citizen services accessible, as well as making online learning experiences accessible. 650 medium and large businesses, public sector organisations, and non-profit organisations […]

Students can take advantage of services offered to them throughout virtual learning and beyond.

Students should not feel limited by the opportunities available to them. Virtual learning services are just one of the many ways that students can take advantage of. Virtual Learning: Virtual learning is an immersive, interactive, and collaborative approach to learning. It is based on the idea that learners can access knowledge from anywhere at any […]

Virtual Reality presents a number of challenges

Virtual Reality, the immersive presentation of a digital environment, has been around for many decades – but it’s only recently that we’ve seen affordable and accessible consumer hardware offering the ability to view and interact with VR via an ordinary smartphone. With the rise of VR technology, companies are looking to develop new ways to […]

Everything, even academic research, will be changed by the metaverse.

We are living in a time of rapid change. Technology has been disrupting the way we live and work since its invention. In this article, we will discuss how the metaverse is changing everything, even academic research. The idea of a metaverse has been part of science fiction for decades, but the term is on […]

ASQA has begun a four-year program of collaboration with the industry to co-design a model for self-assurance.

For the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), ORIMA Research will conduct a comprehensive consultation process with vocational education and training providers in early 2022 on behalf of ASQA. The information gathered will be used to help establish a self-assurance model for the industry. Providers were urged to register their interest in participating in this consultation […]

As the number of overseas students declines, Australia faces the prospect of losing future skilled workers and citizens.

When so many international students left Australia, think about what the country lost. Approximately $40.3 billion was contributed to the economy by them in 2019. Approximately 250,000 jobs in Australia were supported by international education. In some sections of the higher education industry, border closures resulted in a reduction of enrollments of up to 70%. […]

NCVER Report – Upskilling and reskilling: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employers and their training choices

Photo source: NCVER NCVER’s latest research examines how Australian employers have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and their future workforce training plans. To survive financially during the pandemic, many businesses had to adjust and digitise their operations, as well as shift quickly to remote working arrangements. As restrictions started easing in 2020, businesses were […]

From February 21, all fully vaccinated international students are permitted to return to Australia.

Following one of the world’s most extensive COVID-19 isolations, the Australian government will open its doors to all international students who have received a full COVID-19 vaccination. According to Erudera.com, the decision will take effect on February 21 and will have an impact on over 500,000 international students currently enrolled in the country, as well […]

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry survey unveiled Victoria as the most difficult state in Australia to do business in.

More than half of Australian businesses consider Victoria to be the most difficult state in which to conduct business, with local operators paying the highest taxes in the country. The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry unveiled its first cost of doing business index on Wednesday, which ranks the cost of doing business in all […]

Even if the border is fully reopened, the country will continue to experience a national skills shortage – how VET sector is the solution?

A large number of Australians are now in trades, the fastest rate since the start of the pandemic. A record number of students are also attending universities, but experts believe more must be done to boost skills training possibilities that are focused on the future of employment. The number of young Australians enrolled in university […]

Car-makers welcome electric vehicle technology certification offered through vocational training institutions in Australia.

An initiative to raise the level of certification in electric vehicle technology offered by vocational training institutions in Australia has been hailed by a number of automotive manufacturers. Despite the fact that all of the companies have extensive internal training programs of their own, they recognise the importance of equipping technicians to service, diagnose, and […]

WA has allocated $16 million for international education

As part of a new support package, the state of Western Australia has earmarked around AUS$16 million to assist the state’s international education sector. It was announced that a support programme will be implemented after the state delayed the reopening of its borders due to the Omicron variant earlier in February. As part of the […]

Message from the CEO (31 Jan 2022)

Message from the CEO (31 Jan 2022) Welcome to our January edition of the VET sector magazine. In this edition, there are articles discussing the latest news from the Department of Home Affairs on changes being made, and an article explaining how online courses can help develop a skilled workforce and much more. We thank […]

Australian student visa changes in 2022

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Australian government will offer visa rebates to students and backpackers who wish to visit the nation in an effort to fill a record number of vacant positions. Visitors to Australia who enter on a student or working holiday visa, according to Prime Minister Scott Morrison, will receive […]

How online courses can help you become a skilled worker

Online courses are popular in the workplace. They provide flexibility and convenience for people who want to learn something in either their own time or during work hours. Online courses have been around for decades, and they have recently started to gain real traction. There are many different types of online courses available that can […]

CAQA Resources – Converting files to interactive SCORM compliant documents

At CAQA Resources, we are currently converting all our learning and assessment resources to SCORM Compliant files. We will be using the new format to provide a seamless experience for our RTO providers and partners who use online learning platforms like Moodle and Canvas. The use of technology in education is becoming the norm for […]

The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) details of the proposed fees and charges that will apply under the full cost recovery model

In a recent announcement, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) detailed the proposed fees and charges that will apply under the full cost-recovery model, which will take effect on July 1 2022. Although the full cost recovery of fees and charges was originally planned for 2020-21, it was postponed as a result of the COVID […]

Formative vs Summative Assessment: A Comparison

Formative and summative assessment, the two main types of assessing knowledge and skills, are often confused with one another. Both types of assessment have a place in the teaching and learning process, but it can be difficult to distinguish between formative and summative assessment. Both formative and summative assessments are used to assess learning, provide […]

The top problems that the Australian VET sector is facing

The VET sector in Australia is growing in scale and sophistication every year. The Australian VET sector is facing several problems that are likely to have a significant impact on its future. These include things like an aging workforce, the rising cost of education and a decline in students enrolling in VET qualifications. The most […]

To be implemented by 2030, the government has published a roadmap for a “data-driven society.”

The federal government issued Australia’s first data strategy and associated action plan, outlining a long-term vision for the development of an effective, safe, ethical and secure national data ecosystem. Stuart Robert, the Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, and Jane Hume, the Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and Digital Economy, jointly announced […]

Why is Australia’s rank so low when it comes to innovation?

The ability to innovate is one of the most important factors in economic growth. It increases productivity by making it possible to produce more with the same amount of input or investment as before. Putting it simply, when productivity increases, more products and services are produced, which results in higher economic growth. Australia has a […]

How COVID-19 changed the Australian education and training sector (Part – 1)

The education and training sector in Australia is one of the largest industries in the Australian economy. It employs almost 1.1 million people (8.4 per cent of the total workforce). Approximately half of Australians in the projected secondary school leaving age are enrolled in some form of education or training, whether formal or informal. Much […]

Acute skills shortages in VET

Coming out of lockdown and re-opening RTOs have revealed one big problem. The VET sector has huge skills shortages, and there are nearly hundreds of vacant VET positions advertised in SEEK this week across Australia. There are many factors that have contributed to this shortage, and it did not happen overnight. A big contributor has […]

Contract cheating – One out of every ten students submits assignments written by someone else – and the vast majority of them get away with it.

Despite popular belief, contract cheating is more prevalent in Australian institutions than many would expect. According to a recent survey conducted by the University of Western Australia, one in every ten students across Australia’s institutions is guilty of paying someone to create assignments or take online examinations on their behalf. Contract cheating is a form […]

CAQA Resources

This month new training and assessment resources: CPC (Construction, plumbing and services) are now available. Certificate I in Construction (CPC10120) Certificate II In Construction Pathways (CPC20220) Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220) Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CPC30620) Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC33020) Coming soon – Pre-order now, units available with full qualifications […]

Edu Learning – Your door to professional development opportunities

We would love to have you join our professional development retainer agreement services or individual professional development opportunities through Edu Learning. Our organisation works with the aim to help you grow your skills in a fun and interactive way. The benefits of joining our organisation are numerous, from getting tips from VET experts and industry […]

CAQA Systems Services

CAQA Systems provides technology services and support, and works in partnership with its customers. We collaborate with innovative organisations and service providers, assisting them in maximising the efficiency and effectiveness of their technology investments. We specialise in network administration, software systems and development, hardware and software support, software system and development, cybersecurity, information technology-related issues […]

CAQA Recruitment

Are you looking for staff? At CAQA Recruitment we help employers find talent for their organisation. We understand that hiring is a complex and sometimes costly process. However, it can be simplified and made easy on a budget by opting for our services. Our recruitment platform receives a huge number of interest from applicants who […]

Online Media Solutions (OMS) Services

Over the past two decades, Online Media Solutions (OMS) has provided assistance to clients worldwide. OMS merged into the CAQA and Career Calling brands in 2013. Services offered by Online Media Solutions include: website design and development; website security; web hosting; domains marketplace; development of iOS and Android applications; software development; graphics design including logos, […]

Message from General Manager (14 Dec 2021)

Message from General Manager All of life’s pleasures are just temporary, so make use of them while you can. The best memories will endure a lifetime, and if you do not experience the joy in the moments, just regrets will be left behind. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and that you will […]

Interview with John Molenaar, Quality and Compliance Auditor

John Molenaar is an education professional who started his career in teaching with positions as a primary and secondary teacher. In the late 1980s/early 1990s, he held roles in education organisation management as Executive Director of the Gould League of Victoria and the John Gardiner Centre. In the mid 1990’s John started his career in […]

Interview with Anna-Louise Allen, Quality and Compliance Auditor

Anna-Louise Allen has been a leader in education and a catalyst for change and innovation in teaching and learning throughout her career. Anna-Louise commenced as a technical school teacher in the western suburbs teaching Geography. She had held leadership positions in schools, run the Geography Teachers Association of Victoria and worked in a variety of […]

Interview with Maciek Fibrich, Quality and Compliance Auditor

Maciek Fibrich is the Director of RTO Coaching and Consultancy Pty Ltd which provides amongst other services, coaching, mentoring and consultancy services as well as professional development and operational support to training organisations across Australia. Maciek has been working in the Vocational Training sector for 21 years and as a consultant for over 15 years […]

Professional development session by Edu Learning and CAQA Skills – Transcript – Trainers and Assessors requirements

Sukh Sandhu: – Hello, everyone. Welcome to another professional development session brought to you by Compliance and Quality Assurance, CAQA, Edu Learning, CAQA Skills, The VET Sector and Career Calling International. We would like to pay our respects to traditional owners of the land and to their elders, past and present. Let me remind you […]

Updates from CAQA Resources

This year, we at CAQA Resources developed the following courses: CPC AUR ICT BSB EAL FSK SIR Next year, our resource development will be focussed on the following training packages: SIS – Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package (Certificate I to Diploma level) CUA PSP FNS RII MEM FSK SIR TAE

The government’s digital ID program is ramping up as legislation is on the horizon.

The federal government has issued an open invitation to businesses interested in providing feedback and comments on Australia’s federated digital identification system ahead of the system’s planned expansion, which will take place next year. In order to determine what services private sector organisations are interested in having accredited under the trusted digital identity framework (TDIF), […]

Message from the CEO (1 Nov 2021)

Message from the CEO Welcome to the next edition of The VET Sector newsletter. This edition is jam-packed with useful information, informative articles, practical to-do suggestions, our professional experiences, and much more As always, we are inviting you to email us your thoughts, feedback, and suggestions for topics to be included in our next newsletters […]

Advertise with us @ The VET Sector

The VET Sector is a digital magazine and newsletter that has been developed to promote and provide information about opportunities in the VET sector and increase awareness of changes affecting the industry. We hope that through our newsletter and e-magazine, we can provide the information that the vocational education and training sector needs and long […]

The problem for users of Google’s dynamic keyword insertion ~ By Margaret Ryan (lawyer and trademarks attorney)

Is it a good idea to use someone else’s name as a Google keyword and Google headline? The Full Court of the Federal Court has recently said “no”. Google keywords on a website are normally not visible but they are used to attract consumers to the site when that keyword is typed into the Google […]

Driving organisational change to adopt high-quality online training

Introducing online training into your business through the use of technology and tools can help you increase productivity, reach new potential customers, provide great flexibility, increase sales, and help create more effective and productive learning sessions. It is, however, time-consuming and laborious to get every employee on board in an organisation that has never offered […]

New TAE 22B E-learning and E-assessment – Open for public review and feedback

The following training products are now available for public review and feedback: TAEDEL405 Plan, organise and deliver e-learning (unit of competency) TAEASS404 Conduct e-assessment of competence (unit of competency) TAESS00019 E-learning and E-assessment Skill Set You can download and access the materials through Draft-E-learning-and-E-assessment-Training-Products Click on the following link to provide your feedback to PWC […]

Direct observations in online learning environments

In order to get an accurate picture of how a learner is performing, trainers and assessors should try to conduct personal observations or direct observations. The problem with doing this is that it can be difficult for trainers and assessors to observe students if they are not performing or demonstrating their skills in a traditional […]

Effective feedback in both in-person and remote/virtual contexts

Feedback can be in-person, remote or virtual. We have to be careful with what kind of feedback we provide, especially in a remote/virtual context. This is because the learner does not have the same context for learning that they would have when it’s in-person. In-person/Traditional Instructional Setting In-person feedback is a very common practice in […]

The importance of constructive feedback

Feedback is an essential part of the training and education industry. It helps to understand what you are doing right and what needs to be fixed. Without feedback, it would be hard to know how you are doing in your career or even if you are on the right track. Feedback is not only important […]

The best possible ways to provide feedback to your learners with examples

There are five key principles of giving effective feedback: Respond quickly Give them context Provide examples where they are good at or need to improve Explain why you made the comment Give them an opportunity to respond Before you go ahead, you need to set benchmarking criteria to evaluate your learners. All of them should […]

How to become a profitable training business? (Part 1) – An article by CAQA Skills and Edu Learning

The training industry is growing rapidly due to the growth in businesses requiring a skilled workforce. Training businesses are however operating in a highly competitive market where they have to keep up with the changing needs of their customers and need to make profits in order to survive and be sustainable. There are multiple ways […]

The Top 10 VET Sector websites and resources – you must know!

There are numerous resources available on the internet that you can use to make your life easier. Google, Wikipedia, YouTube, and Amazon are just a few of the websites that receive a lot of traffic. These websites make it simple to browse the internet and offer all of the information you require right at your […]

Why a collaborative regulatory body is important for the training and education industry

Training and education have always been an industry that is surrounded by regulations, rules, and policies. The regulatory body provides a foundation for the training and education industry. Collaboration is vital for success and it is important that the regulatory body has a collaborative and transparent approach in order to improve governance and accountability. A […]

ASQA’s Regulatory Risk Priorities for 2021-22

The Regulatory Risk Priorities for 2021-22, has been published by ASQA. It outlines the regulatory risk priorities for the coming year. These priorities are revised on a regular basis to ensure that they remain current with concerns facing the industry. ASQA expressed their gratitude to all of the providers and partners who took part in […]

ASQA Annual Report 2020-21 now available

The Australian Skills and Quality Authority’s Annual Report for the 2020–21 financial year has been tabled in the Australian Parliament. A record of ASQA’s activities and performance for the preceding financial year is contained inside this report, which is available online. The Australian Government continues to provide nationally consistent, risk-based regulation of vocational education and […]

The benefits of effective communication systems, practices and processes

Communication is the key to building successful relationships and human connections. It’s also the key to success in any professional field. Effective communication is essential to the success of any training or education program. Effective communication is not easy, it requires effort and time. Effective communication systems in any training and education business will ensure […]

CAQA FAQ Series – Industry consultation

What is industry consultation in the RTO context? It is a process in which the training representatives of a training organisation consult with representatives from the industry to determine whether they are using the most appropriate facilities, equipment, and resources for delivering the training, whether their trainers and assessors have the most up to date […]

How to check the quality of assessment resources

Critical skills for checking the quality of your assessment resources. The purpose of the assessment tool The main purpose of an assessment tool, student assessment, or assessment pack is to ensure that trainers and assessors can effectively establish whether a learner is competent or not yet competent in a training product. There are three ways […]

Fact Sheet: Validation of assessment resources

Compliance requirements and guidelines: This Fact Sheet has been developed and produced to assist Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in understanding the compliant validation practices as part of the learner resources to comply with a number of clauses of the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015. Clause 1.9 The RTO implements a plan for ongoing […]

How to create a compliant and effective self-study guide

A self-study guide is a tool that can be used to help a learner extend their learning. It can be effective when learners begin to prepare for a summative assessment. The self-study guide can also be used by learners as a document for reflection of learning, identification of strengths and weaknesses, and to build on […]

Should RTO consultants be regulated through a Government or professional body?

Training and education is a complex and vast subject. It is only prudent that we regulate this field to make sure that individuals who are part of it are providing advice and are doing what they claim they can do. Training and education consultants seem like a dime a dozen these days. However, with the […]

Update about Victoria’s International Student Arrivals Plan

International students will start returning to Victoria by the end of 2021 under the Victorian Government’s International Student Arrivals Plan, which has been endorsed by the Australian Government. The plan was developed in consultation with Victorian universities, and industry peak bodies from across the international education sector, including the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia, the […]

Queensland has set a new national record for the number of women entering the construction industry.

According to data released this week by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), Queensland has achieved the highest-ever number of females enrolling in a construction trade apprenticeship of any state or territory in the country. Furthermore, according to the data, the overall number of female construction apprentices in the Sunshine State is larger […]

Landmark VET reforms to drive our skills-led economic future

A fundamental overhaul of Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) system has been agreed to by the Morrison Government and states and territories. The reforms are an important achievement and will improve the performance, efficiency, transparency and confidence in the VET sector, ensuring Australians can access high quality and relevant training and employers can access […]

Interview with David Jepsen, Founder and Principal of RTO Accountants

With over 25 years’ experience as a practicing CA, David is the Founder and Principal of RTO Accountants. David started his career at KPMG, moving onto mid tier accounting firms and commercial roles with Citigroup, Zurich, CBA and others in Sydney and London before setting up an accounting practice in 2001. Offering commercial and practical […]

Interview with Peter Doukas – Managing Director, Denison Toyer Education Lawyers

Peter owns and operates Sydney based education law firm Denison Toyer. Working in the field of Education Law and Corporate Governance since 2007 Peter has acted for over one hundred Registered Training Organisations and Higher Education Providers in various stages of the education management cycle. He routinely acts for colleges in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal […]

The VET Sector News- November 2021

Apprenticeships in butchery, childcare and hairdressing decline across the ACT Canberrans have been warned local butchers are a “dying trade” after data showed a steep drop in apprenticeships. Figures collated by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research showed a decline in trainee butchers, hairdressers and childcare workers in the ACT since 2013. It was […]

Australia mulls visa reforms for offshore students to enjoy work rights

Can international students expect Australian student visa reforms on the horizon, and to play a bigger role in Australia’s skilled migration? The International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) has submitted a policy paper to the government that proposed any international student who undertakes an additional professional year in skills shortage areas should be given double […]

The ‘ABC’ of Academic Credit Transfer in India: India Gives Students Flexibility in Higher Education Through Academic Bank of Credits

An Academic Bank of Credits will be set up where students can deposit, transfer and redeem credits earned through a variety of courses, including MOOCs Flexibility for students to experience diverse learning Students to have multiple entry and exit points in higher education, resulting in certificate, diploma, degree etc Synchronisation proposed for general and vocational […]

Quarantine requirements dropped for Canberra universities

A third Australian jurisdiction has signalled its intention to allow the untrammelled return of international students, with the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) vowing to admit fully immunised tertiary students in time for the start of the 2022 academic year in February. Chief minister Andrew Barr said that while students would need to adhere to federal […]

World-first Gold learning hub confirmed for Sandhurst

The PGA of Australia will seek to further elevate the capabilities of the current and future golf industry workforce through the establishment of the PGA Golf Learning Hub at Sandhurst, south of Melbourne. The completion of the Australian Golf Centre at Sandringham and the relocation of PGA administrative staff to the heart of the Melbourne […]

Foreign students, workers to be allowed back into Australia before Christmas and tourists could follow

International students and workers will be allowed to return to Australia within weeks, with tourists potentially permitted back into the country by Christmas. With Australia’s international borders reopening in Sydney for citizens, residents and their families on November 1, the government is moving fast on the plan to allow more travellers into the country. For […]

Covid outbreaks have shut more than 320 schools across NSW and Victoria in past three weeks

More than 300 schools across New South Wales and Victoria have closed down in the last three weeks due to Covid outbreaks, with the majority of students still due to return to classrooms. Between the start of term four on 4 October and 22 October, there were 234 closures at government schools in Victoria, figures […]

Apprenticeships in butchery, childcare and hairdressing decline across the ACT

Canberrans have been warned local butchers are a “dying trade” after data showed a steep drop in apprenticeships. Figures collated by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research showed a decline in trainee butchers, hairdressers and childcare workers in the ACT since 2013. It was felt hardest in hairdressing, with trainee numbers falling by 46.5 […]

How to protect the copyright of your training and assessment materials Margaret Ryan (lawyer and trade marks attorney)

Training and assessment materials are normally protected by copyright in Australia. They are a valuable resource and should be protected from unauthorised copying, which may reduce their value and the value of the business which supplies these resources. Copyright is automatic In Australia copyright protection is automatic. As soon is an author records their thoughts […]

Message from the CEO

Message from the CEO We need to make sure we eliminate any issues that lead to decreased student engagement and an increase in drop-out rates. We need to think about and execute support for students who want to complete a VET qualification and follow their interests or passion. Coming out of lockdown, we will need […]

Online learning – Understanding the learner experience continuum

Online learning has become one of the most used forms of learning in the VET sector. It is a flexible and convenient way for people to learn new skills, knowledge, and information. Learning online is a process that many organisations are starting to take more seriously. They are trying to figure out how to best […]

Synchronous and asynchronous learning environments

Training organisations are getting more creative when it comes to how they help learners. They are working to find techniques, technologies and tools that can include both synchronous and asynchronous learning. The online learning experience has evolved over the years. The tools used in the past, like e-learning websites, have been replaced by newer technologies […]

The Concept of Immersive Education

Immersive education is a form of online education where you create a virtual learning environment and immerse students in the content. It is also called “learning outside the box” because it helps students learn in different ways such as learning by doing, creating, experimenting and creating digital content. The concept of immersive education is about […]

The features of high-quality online learning

Online learning is continuing to gain popularity with people seeking to learn new skills and train in the comfort of their homes. With the rapid advancement in technology, it has become easier for students to learn online compared to traditional classrooms. The main features of high-quality online learning are convenience and flexibility. The courses can […]

The authenticity of assessments in an online learning environment

The authenticity of assessments is a term that is often used in the education sector. It is usually used to refer to how authentic or genuine a given assessment was. Although there are no clear-cut definitions for the authenticity of assessments, the following are two possible definitions: Authenticity means that a given assessment was created […]

The simulated environment for online learning

A simulated environment is an artificial representation of a real-world environment. Training organisations are increasingly turning to simulations for training purposes. The point of simulations is to provide learners with an environment that is as close as possible to the real-world experience. They simulate reality and give them the opportunity of practising what they learn. […]

Why should you read and share THE VET SECTOR newsletter?

The purpose of this newsletter is to maintain an ongoing dialogue with the industry representatives, giving them a voice and platform to raise their concerns and practices. The importance of this newsletter is not only because it has a lot of subscribers but also because without the right information, one cannot be an active participant […]

ASQA publishes scoping study on VET in schools

The scoping study on vocational education and training delivered to secondary school students was issued by the national regulating agency in order to protect the quality of VET delivery. It is ASQA’s role as national regulator for VET to work in partnership with training providers to guarantee compliance with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations […]

Compliance and regulatory requirements to use video evidence

Video evidence can be used to support learning in a variety of contexts. It is becoming an essential tool for trainers/assessors and RTO administrators in order to achieve compliance with regulatory requirements. The use of video evidence has been growing by leaps and bounds over the last few years. It is now being used in […]

Attract people, places and things perfect for your growth

People, places and things are all aspects of life that can help or harm your growth. It is, therefore, important to understand why and how you should attract people, places and things perfect for your personal and professional growth. If you don’t, you will not be able to make the right connections. You can make […]

Become stronger than your fears

You must have heard the saying that ‘fear is the mind-killer’. Just like how fear can stop you from making decisions, it can also stop you from achieving your dreams. Fear can paralyse us when we are in tough situations. But when we are able to overcome our fears, it can give us huge benefits. […]

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance

We are living in a world where work is no longer confined to the office. In the age of digitalisation, that is why work-life balance has been a hot topic. Whether you are working from home, the airport or the coffee shop, it is important to make sure that you are keeping your work-life balance […]

Strategies to maintain VET and Industry currency as a trainer and assessor

The VET industry is changing rapidly, therefore, trainers and assessors need to continuously update their skills, knowledge and competencies to work effectively in the training and education industry. Industry currency refers to trainers and assessors who keep current knowledge, skills, and experience of current workplace industrial practises in the industry sector in which they teach. […]

CAQA Online forums, CAQA Info for maintaining your compliance and regulatory knowledge

CAQA Online forums provide information for RTO professionals. The purpose of the forums is to support compliance and regulatory knowledge with the help of other professionals in the field. Some of the benefits of subscribing to our online forums are that it provides access to knowledge sharing and networking opportunities among peers in the vocational […]

Edu Learning – Your door to professional development opportunities

We would love to have you join our professional development retainer agreement services or individual professional development opportunities through Edu Learning. Our organisation works with the aim to help you grow your skills in a fun and interactive way. The benefits of joining our organisation are numerous, from getting tips from VET experts and industry […]

Live webinar with CAQA – Your questions and answer series – Trainers and assessors competency and compliance requirements

The CAQA Live webinar series will be a great opportunity to learn from the experts who have been in this field for a long time. What makes this event so special is that the CAQA team has personally selected the topics and speakers for this Webinar Series. They have also designed it to be specifically […]

Training and assessment strategies – why you should have a clear roadmap!

When it comes to training, there are many factors that contribute to the effectiveness of the training. However, one of the most important factors is how effective and efficient your training and assessment strategy is. There are a number of key considerations in training and assessment strategies including but not limited to: – Learner experience […]

Interview – Andrew Shea – CEO, Builders Academy Australia

Andrew is an educational and business professional and known intrapreneur who specialises in leading high performing teams, optimising business processes and quality assurance and compliance frameworks. He is a proven transformational leader and has successfully fulfilled managerial and leadership positions across a range of industries. Areas of specialisation include: ♦ C-Suite executive across ASX and […]

Interview – Matthew Dale – Director, Audit Express and Educonomy

With more than a decade experience working across the VET Sector, Matthew brings a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience to Audit Express & Educonomy. Matthew has had extensive experience in managing the quality & compliance of various state funding contracts and in leading RTOs through the complex process of re-registration. Matthew’s passion is with […]

Interview with Anurag Kanwar – BEc, LLB, LLM, GDLP, AAPRI, FIML, MAICD.

Anurag has over 15 years of experience in higher education all within the private higher education space. She is the executive secretary of the GCA Board of Directors. She is a prolific commentator on LinkedIn with over 6000 followers commenting on international education, technology and continuous experience. She is a practising lawyer specialising in the […]

Risk assessment and risk management at your organisation

Risk assessment and risk management at your organisation should be a continuous process. It involves best practices like identifying, assessing and mitigating risks. Risk assessment is the process of identifying and analysing the hazards, risks, and threats to an organisation. A risk assessment is a process to identify and evaluate the potential risks and threats […]

Quality Student Assessment Resources from CAQA Resources

What are Student Assessments? An effective assessment tool allows learners to demonstrate their skills and knowledge according to set learning objectives. It is necessary to assess students’ progress and understanding of concepts. To do this, trainers and assessors rely on both formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments are used during the learning, whereas summative assessments […]

Why organisations should prioritise systematic continuous improvement as a strategic priority

Continuous improvement is one of the most important ways to ensure compliance with regulatory operations and successful organisational performance. By continuously identifying areas for improvement, education and training organisations can ensure compliance to the regulatory requirements and standards, improve their performance and also gain an edge over their competitors. Continuous improvement requires strategic attention by […]

The role of online education is evolving due to Artificial Intelligence (AI).

With the rise of Artificial Intelligence, the role of online education is changing. AI-based tools can automatically generate and grade assignments, meaning that students no longer need to spend hours and hours on their essays and tests. AI has been a breakthrough in the education industry. It has the power to change the world of […]

Google will train more than 40 million people in cloud computing skills.

Google has said that it will train more than 40 million individuals in Google Cloud skills as a result of the pandemic’s acceleration of digital transformation for organisations across a wide range of industries that are experiencing a skills shortage. As part of its efforts to reach this aim, the tech giant introduced Google Cloud […]

In a recent ruling, the court ordered telecommunication firms to discontinue “assignment help” service.

It is the first time that an Australian higher education regulator has successfully obtained an injunction against a foreign essay mill, as part of the implementation of a 2020 rule that outlaws contract cheating services. In a recent court victory, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (Teqsa) managed to prohibit access to the website […]

We are looking for a Senior Compliance and Quality Assurance Manager to join our team at CAQA, Career Calling International.

We are seeking a Senior Compliance and Quality Assurance Manager to join our management team. To be successful in this position, you need to be well-versed in risk management principles, regulatory and legislative instruments and standards. You need to also be solutions-focused and provide evidence-based advice to organisations involved in training and assessment of students. […]

Update related to AQF Framework

We’d like to provide an update on the new AQF framework, currently under development. The Review of the Australian Qualifications Framework was completed at the end of 2019. AQF Review provided 21 recommendations aimed at ensuring that the AQF continues to serve its intended purpose now and in the years to come. Changes to the […]

The VET Sector News II- October 2021

IDP Live transforms international landscape for next generation of students IDP has recently launched its new student-centred app, IDP Live. IDP Live brings together a suite of tools, including a ground-breaking new service that fast-tracks students through to receiving an offer, prior to submitting their application – ensuring that students can find the right courses […]

Australian far-right terrorism investigations have increased by 750 per cent in 18 months

Two years ago, nationalist and racist violent extremism barely accounted for two per cent of the Australian Federal Police’s counter-terrorism caseload. Now it’s the country’s fastest-growing threat. For more information, please visit here.

Keystone acquires UniQuest in enrolment generation drive

This is another acquisition for Keystone as it evolves its business mission. Historically, the Norway-based business has been focused on lead generation and the move to acquire UniQuest will provide more value to customers – especially around enrolment generation, the company noted. Keystone expects the move will help it further evolve into a “complete end-to-end […]

Hate crime victim inspires We Are Australia launch

We Are Australia, a dedicated organisation to support international student victims of crime in Australia, was launched on October 1, pledging to be the voice of international student victims. For more information, please visit here.

Experts weigh in on Australia’s 10-year strategy at AIEC

The Australian government is hoping to release its anticipated Australian Strategy for International Education 2021-2030 before the year is out, a government representative said at the Australian International Education Conference 2021. The strategy – which government launched a consultation on earlier this year – has received over 120 written submissions, assistant secretary at the department […]

How much will it cost for international students to return to Australia?

New South Wales and Victoria recently announced pilot plans to facilitate international students’ return to Australia. This is welcome news for those who have been locked out of the country for the better part of 18 months but the return to Australia cost could be a problem According to The Guardian, some students worry that […]

Student sex work is happening, and universities need to respond with health services

As university and college semesters unfold, a small but increasing percentage of students will likely also be taking on a largely under-reported and overlooked form of part-time employment: sex work. Over the past year, there have been multiple reports of a dramatic increase in content creators on OnlyFans — a platform that allows fans to […]

How online education can give disabled children greater learning opportunities

Globally, about 15 per cent of the population lives with some form of disability. Of this, 80 per cent lives in developing countries. Persons with disabilities (PwDs) are among the most marginalised groups. They encounter a range of barriers and are more likely to experience adverse socioeconomic outcomes. Limited support infrastructure can have a significant […]

Online Learning Platforms A Lifeline For Students During The Pandemic

There have been many forced changes in the world over the past 18 months, with every industry seeing some form of impact. Life is slowly but surely becoming recognizable again, but in the education sector there is a new normal, one that makes getting extra help and benefitting from shared resources more convenient than ever […]

Online Learning – The Future of Education?

The coronavirus pandemic that gripped humanity in early 2020 has led to unprecedented educational measures everywhere. Educational institutions, from schools to universities, have been partially or completely closed in more than 180 countries. In most states, all schools were completely quarantined, while some were closed in the United States, Canada, Europe, Russia, Vietnam, and Australia. […]

A New Normal For Online Education

The headline appeared in the New York Times on February 21, 1994: “Computers and Phones Pave New Path to College Degree.” The article characterized how the future of the college classroom “may be no classroom at all.” It went on to describe rising demand among students for “long-distance study” (the term online education hadn’t yet […]

School And Online Learning Evolve Rapidly: Nerdy CEO Discusses Trends

As some students get back to school amid a new wave of variants and ongoing anxiety, the future of school and how students will learn continues to evolve rapidly. According to research I’ve been involved in during Covid as well as multiple reports I have reviewed from Barkley, Gen HQ & Pew Research, Gen-Z is […]

Challenges Of Online Education For Teachers And Students

Covid-19 and the consequent lockdown forced schools, colleges and universities to stop all regular face-to-face educational interactions between teachers and students. They had to move literally overnight to the online-only learning-teaching model. This entailed not only the proficiency of both teachers and the students in quite unfamiliar sets of competencies but also focused mitigation of […]

Online Learning Platforms A Lifeline For Students During The Pandemic

There have been many forced changes in the world over the past 18 months, with every industry seeing some form of impact. Life is slowly but surely becoming recognizable again, but in the education sector there is a new normal, one that makes getting extra help and benefitting from shared resources more convenient than ever […]

India top court rules online education access cannot be denied to underprivileged children

The Supreme Court of India ruled on Friday that if the fundamental right to education under “Article 21A of the Constitution has to become a reality,” then the needs of underprivileged children “to receive adequate access to online education cannot be denied.” For more information, please visit here.

Fiverr Expands Online Education Offering With Acquisition of CreativeLive

Fiverr (NYSE: FVRR), the company that is changing how the world works together, today announced its acquisition of Seattle-based online learning company CreativeLive, a renowned creative and entrepreneurial education platform where people can learn about design, business, photography, video, marketing and more. Instructors include a diverse group of Pulitzer-, Grammy-, and Oscar-winners, New York Times […]

Beyond Zoom, Teams and video lectures — what do university students really want from online learning?

As any university student, lecturer or tutor can attest, the pandemic has turned learning and teaching upside down. So it’s important we understand what happens for students when their learning shifts online with little to no warning. Since 2020, there’s been a growing body of important research into the impact of online learning for educators. […]

Teachers are driving force behind ‘global education recovery’ from COVID-19

World Teachers’ Day, celebrated annually on 5 October, provides an important opportunity to call on Governments and the international community to spotlight teachers and their challenges, and share effective and promising policy responses. “They are the principal actors of the global education recovery efforts and are key in accelerating progress towards inclusive and equitable quality […]

NSW on the road to reopening

NSW will take its first steps towards reopening as the State passes the 70 per cent double vaccination target. With the first vaccination milestone being reached, the NSW Government is also easing a number of restrictions as part of the Reopening NSW roadmap, which will allow fully vaccinated adults to enjoy more freedoms from next […]

Quality higher education in times of crisis

Higher education is still suffering the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis. In some parts of the world, the crisis is as acute as ever. In Europe, we hope we are through the worst of it, but we have seen time and again over the past months that coping with the health crisis requires more time […]

New national food allergy guidelines recommend education instead of bans

New allergy guidelines have recommended removing blanket bans on foods from schools and childcare centres in favour of greater education and awareness around allergies and anaphylaxis. Released on Thursday, the National Allergy Strategy — developed with experts — aims to clarify managing and preventing anaphylaxis in schools, with research suggesting up to 1 in 20 […]

Homeschool registrations rising in Australia, alternative education advocates say mainstream schools need a shake-up

Homeschooling is understood to be the fastest-growing education sector and alternative school advocates say it shows mainstream schooling needs a shake-up. For more information, please visit here.

6 interesting stats from the Voice of VET RTO Industry Australia Report 2021

Australia’s Registered Training Organisations had a lot to say in this year’s Voice of VET Report. Here’s three things RTOs say have changed (and three things that haven’t). ReadyTech’s Voice of VET RTO Industry Report 2021 contains a lot of interesting insights into the RTO market. Based on a survey of 328 RTOs with a […]

2021 fee relief now available to VRQA RTOs and non-school providers

Fee relief is available to eligible registered training organisations (RTOs) and non-school senior secondary providers (NSSSPs) to help ease the ongoing economic impact caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Minister for Education and the Minister for Training and Skills have provided fee relief to RTOs and NSSSPs by: extending the VRQA’s financial powers to […]

ASQA Update – October 2021

ASQA’s risk-based regulatory program in 2021-22 has been informed by the outcomes of our annual environmental scan, which brings together feedback from stakeholder groups and regulatory data – and includes a focus on both provider and systemic risks. As a best-practice regulator, ASQA implements a risk-based approach to regulation, focusing regulatory attention on areas of […]

Amendments to the ESOS Act effective 27 September 2021

Recent amendments to the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) have replaced existing legislation around monitoring, investigation, and enforcement. This brings the ESOS Act and the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 (NVR Act) into closer alignment. ASQA’s regulation of training providers will remain the same, with a commitment to […]

Students head to Canada as Australia’s borders remain shut

Australia’s privileged position as one of the most highly prized destinations for international students has tumbled as Canada, the United States and Britain race to grab greater market share, a new survey has shown. Australia’s share of demand from international students has declined from 16.8 per cent to 11.6 per cent over the past two […]

Child Care subsidy changes to benefit 250,000 Australian families

A quarter of a million Australian families will be more than $2200 a year better off when additional childcare subsidies are introduced early next year. The additional subsidies for families with two or more children in care were due to start in July 2022, but the federal government has brought the start date forward to […]

Plan to bring thousands of nurses and doctors into ‘Fortress Australia’

Australia will allow 2000 overseas nurses and doctors to enter the country for work under a plan being finalised by the Commonwealth and states to ease a healthcare staffing crisis. With Melbourne and Sydney’s hospital beds jammed with COVID-19 patients and the health systems of other states also under strain, the reinforcements will be flown […]

IDP Live transforms international landscape for next generation of students

IDP has recently launched its new student-centred app, IDP Live. IDP Live brings together a suite of tools, including a ground-breaking new service that fast-tracks students through to receiving an offer, prior to submitting their application – ensuring that students can find the right courses and institutions faster and more easily. For more information, please […]

The VET Sector News- October 2021

Australia’s five most powerful education leaders in 2021 AFR Magazine’s annual Power issue, out on Friday, October 1, includes lists of the key players across six industry sectors. Here the people topping teaching in a profound year for the sector. For more information, please visit here. New South Wales pilot plan ‘would expand and evolve’: […]

The journey from comfort zone to the growth zone

Going out of the comfort zone is not easy. It is difficult, challenging and it can be scary. But what if you knew that there was no way to grow without leaving the comfort zone? The journey from comfort zone to the growth zone can be a tough one. There are many uncertainties and insecurities […]

How to create a compliant and effective session plan

We are confident that you have heard the expression (and perhaps even used it yourself), “Failure to plan is planning to fail”. When it comes to the facilitation of efficient training, this is undoubtedly true. Consider the following scenario: you’ve just delivered a training session to a new group of students. Unfortunately, things didn’t turn […]

Australian Government has approved the International student return pilot programme

In a joint decision, the governments of Australia and New South Wales have authorised a second significant student return pilot, which will see up to 250 international students per fortnight returning to the state to continue their studies. According to current plans, the pilot will begin accepting students in December 2021 and will operate within […]

Mapping document of assessment resources – do you need one?

A question that has been asked over and over again is “do we need a mapping document”? We hope you will find this information relevant. A mapping document is a detailed blueprint, required for all assessment tasks. It is used by the trainer and assessor when they are mapping the assessment with training package requirements. […]

Fact Sheet: Transition and teach out

Compliance requirements and guidelines: This Fact Sheet has been developed and produced to assist Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in understanding the transition and teach out arrangements stated in Clauses 1.26 and 1.27 of the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015. Clause 1.26 Subject to clause 1.27 and unless otherwise approved by the VET Regulator, […]

CAQA FAQ Series – Validation and compliance requirements

What is the difference and commonality between Validation, Moderation and Pre-validation? Pre-Validation (verification) is the practice of validation that occurs before using the assessment tools. This validation happens after either development of the assessment tool or purchase from a resource provider. The objective of pre-validation (verification) is to ensure that the materials meet the requirements […]

The websites that will help you become much more productive and efficient.

The internet has a lot of resources that you can use to simplify your life. Websites like Google, Wikipedia, YouTube, and Amazon are among the most visited websites today. These sites make it easy to surf the web and all the information you need is at your fingertips. With the world becoming more and more […]

Different types of disruptions in training and education businesses: What are they and how can they impact You?

In a world where disruption is happening at a lightning speed, the question of how to thrive in this fast-paced environment is increasingly important. There are many who have been disrupted out of business and there are many more who would be disrupted in the near future. Disruption occurs when someone or something does something […]

Quality Learner Guides from CAQA Resources

What are Learner Guides? Learner Guides are an effective teaching tool, which allows learners to focus on their learning objectives. They are often given through online portals (learning management systems) or in-person training sessions and can include informative text, videos, quizzes, images and interactive activities. The need for a learner guide is to provide an […]

Validation Demystified – Part I

Validation is arguably the central pillar of the VET practice and has a valued place in the education system. It is one of the few compliance requirements that influence and is accountable for more than a dozen standards within the Standards for RTO 2015. As such, validation is the much-studied, crammed and piloted concept of […]

Contextualisation – Why you must contextualise the training and assessment resources.

Understanding contextualisation Contextualising assessments and learner materials is one of the most thought-provoking tasks that RTOs face. Many RTOs are deemed non-compliant due to their contextualisation ‘methods’. What is contextualisation, what is the right way to do it, how is it done, why do RTOs conduct it incorrectly? Before explaining what is contextualisation, let’s first […]

The Australian Government supports eligible employers who hire an Australian Apprentice with a new Australian Apprenticeship Program

Boosting Apprenticeships Commencement (BAC) wage subsidy is a new wage subsidy announced by the federal government to assist apprentices and trainees who are eligible for the wage subsidy to complete their qualifications. The Completing Apprenticeship Commencements (CAC) scheme, worth $716 million, would give qualifying employers with a subsidy of up to 10 percent of an […]

Live webinar with CAQA – Your questions and answer series – Trainers and assessors competency and compliance requirements

The CAQA Live webinar series will be a great opportunity to learn from the experts who have been in this field for a long time. What makes this event so special is that the CAQA team has personally selected the topics and speakers for this Webinar Series. They have also designed it to be specifically […]

The strategies for achieving personal and professional success.

There are many strategies to success you can use in your life. Some people are successful because they work hard. Other people are successful because they have a great opportunity that came their way. Some people are successful because they have the right connections, but most people are successful because they have good timing. These […]

What to do if you think someone is infringing on your copyright? – Margaret Ryan (lawyer and trademarks attorney)

The short answer is to speak to a lawyer. But make sure that they are the right lawyer. Copyright law (or, more generally, intellectual property law) is a specialisation. The law is complex, and your lawyer needs to be familiar with it. A copyright lawyer will guide you through the process, but it typically involves: […]

Strategies to complete the Financial Viability Risk Assessment tool

When you apply to become an RTO or your financial condition is a source of concern, or when you are in the process of a post-initial audit scenario, ASQA may require you to submit the Financial Viability Risk Assessment tool to demonstrate your financial viability. The fact that this obligation only applies in specific circumstances […]

Message from the CEO (4 October 2021)

Message from the CEO Our professional development event related to Skills First Funding was a huge success, with hundreds of people in attendance. We have made the video available online on our websites so that you can check out the material. We are a team of quality and compliance experts who have been in the […]

Influence of COVID-19 on future plans

Training providers indicated a strong interest in incorporating more online training in the future, with 61.8% of those who moved some training online in response to the pandemic confirming that they were likely to use more blended learning in the future. In addition, other plans to expand online learning in the future included: likely to […]

Delivery of training before and during COVID-19

Although there was a substantial transition (75.2%) to partial or full online delivery in response to COVID-19 (see the below table), more than half (52.5%) of the RTOs who did not (or could not) move any face-to-face training or assessment online had to suspend either full programs or certain subjects/units. This issue raises the question […]

Overview of training provider response.

COVID-19 has had an undeniable impact on the VET sector, with the significant and rapid transition to online learning early in the pandemic establishing the groundwork for and influencing the likelihood of RTOs using more blended learning in the future, as outlined in the below figure.

Who pays and the relationship to online delivery?

The overall increase of online training has coincided with a substantial rise in the number of governments funded online-only subject enrolments, with these enrolments increasing by almost 362 600 in 2020 (an increase of 40.4%; table 3).

Now and into the future

Approximately 12 months after the commencement of COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, only about one quarter (25.1%) of the surveyed RTOs who had transferred some face-to-face training online had reverted fully to their pre-COVID-19 approach to training. The survey findings demonstrate a strong pattern of RTOs continuing to offer online training in areas where it was […]

Is blended delivery the future of Australian VET education?

A research by Sheila Hume and Tabatha Griffin, NCVER demonstrate that there was a strong response from the VET sector to COVID-19 restrictions, with the number of subjects delivered online increasing by about 24% between 2019 and 2020. The research reported that the shift to online training delivery was more pronounced for government-funded subject enrolments […]

MIT tops QS employability ranking 2022

Global higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds has named the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US as the leader of its graduate employability ranking for a second year in a row. The QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022 take a closer look into how well universities are preparing students for the world beyond higher education, using […]

Offshore learning hubs keep overseas students engaged

Universities in Australia and New Zealand, where borders have remained closed to international students for over 18 months, have found innovative ways to keep online learners engaged by setting up special learning centres in China. And student ‘hubs’ elsewhere in Asia are supporting students enrolled in different universities overseas, and who would otherwise be isolated […]

Benefits of virtual exchange programmes for international students

Moving halfway across the world isn’t the only way to reap the benefits of exchange programmes. Virtual exchange programmes — where participants connect with peers and institutions from anywhere in the world — achieve the same perks, like meeting new people, breaking down tired cultural stereotypes and bringing classroom learning to life. For more information, […]

New Standards for Course Accreditation for Western Australia RTOs

Course accreditation is the formal recognition of a course by an accrediting body. In Western Australia, the course accrediting body is the Training Accreditation Council (TAC or the Council). Accredited courses fill a gap in skill requirements that are not covered by national industry training package qualifications. They must be developed in accordance with the […]

ASQA approves extended transition period for a number of courses

ASQA has approved an extended transition period to a number of courses, including 52707WA Graduate Diploma of Dermal Therapies, 52709WA Graduate Diploma of Cosmetic. CPC30318 Certificate III in Concreting, HLT21015 Certificate II in Medical Service First Response, HLT31015 Certificate III in Ambulance Communication (Call Taking), HLT31115 Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport, HLT41015 Certificate IV […]

$1m donation expands Australia’s only nuclear engineering program

The nuclear engineering program prepares students for careers in high-tech industries including nuclear science, nuclear medicine, mining and resources, energy, manufacturing, aerospace, space exploration and defence. The funding aims to support scholarships for approximately 20 domestic students to obtain a master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering from UNSW’s School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, along with […]

Education & Training Market is Booming Worldwide

The latest published market study on Global Education & Training Market provides an overview of the current market dynamics in the Education & Training space, as well as what our survey respondents—all outsourcing decision-makers—predict the market will look like in 2027. The study breaks the market by revenue and volume (wherever applicable) and price history […]

WA invests $31.7 million in in-house career counsellors

The Western Australian government has announced it will be deploying ‘career practitioners’ across 70 high schools in the state next year to help students explore work and study options after graduating. Education and training minister Sue Ellery announced the multi-million dollar initiative on Wednesday, saying that it would help set students up for successful futures. […]

CQUniversity Graduate Guarantee offers a fully flexible, Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Entrepreneurship, free of charge, to all domestic and international graduates

Announced today, the CQUniversity Graduate Guarantee offers a fully flexible, Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Entrepreneurship, free of charge, to all domestic and international graduates who haven’t secured full-time or part-time work within six months of finishing their undergraduate degree. For more information, please visit here.

New South Wales pilot plan ‘would expand and evolve’: minister

International students form long lines outside Melbourne foodbank A food charity in Melbourne is helping international students hit hard by lockdowns, providing supplies for almost 2 thousand students a week. For more information, please visit here. NSW releases ‘return to VET’ guidelines, visit here.

Australia’s five most powerful education leaders in 2021

AFR Magazine’s annual Power issue, out on Friday, October 1, includes lists of the key players across six industry sectors. Here the people topping teaching in a profound year for the sector. Remote learning has been gathering momentum for decades, but it was the initial shock of the pandemic that made it mainstream. Although the […]

New job opportunities!

JOIN THE RECRUITMENT REVOLUTION Operations Manager (Mullumbimby, NSW) Sales Representative (Surry Hills, NSW) Compliance Manager (Wollongong, NSW) RTO Senior Office Administrator (Morayfield, QLD) Barber Trainers (Chermside, Brisbane West, Ipswich, Toowoomba) CHC Trainers (Melbourne, VIC) BSB Trainers (Melbourne, VIC) FNS Trainers (Melbourne, VIC) ICT Trainers (Melbourne, VIC) View all jobs Looking for a new opportunity? Whether […]

Various phases of the assessment and validation processes (Part 4)

This is Part 4 of the article, where we are discussing the different phases of the validation processes an RTO should be following to ensure they meet regulatory requirements and industry expectations. In the previous articles, we discussed the following regarding the validation of assessment resources: Explanation of assessment validation Typical benchmarks used during the […]

Skills First – the Victorian 2022 Funding Contract

A short explanation The Department of Education and Training Victoria has opened a limited expression of interest (EOI) process for non-contracted training providers (new training providers) to deliver Skills First training for specific programs. What does this mean to your RTO? What are the matters the Department will consider during the evaluation process? Is your […]

Our webinar related to Skills First – By CAQA Experts

Sukh Sandhu – Hello and welcome everyone. Please accept our thoughts and prayers for all those who are affected by the lockdown across Australia before we commence today’s presentation. The last several months have been extremely demanding and exhausting, but we are hoping that we will be able to come out of this situation eventually. […]

Viral email regarding ASQA’s current and past audit activities

If you follow Education Issues Australia on Twitter, or have LinkedIn, or Facebook accounts, you may have noticed a report developed by the @edissuesaus. The research identifies some serious and systemic problems with the current regulatory body. More information can be found by visiting this link. A copy of this has also been presented to […]

The impact of COVID-19 on higher education and Vocational Education and Training

For more information, please visit: Higher Education: It is an unfortunate sign of the times that this summit is being held virtually, like so many other things at the moment. Large parts of the country are in lockdown, internal borders are closed, and families can’t travel to see loved ones. For our universities, I know […]

Breaking the bamboo ceiling: Young Asian Australian women share their tips for success

While Asian Australians continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions, some young women have managed to break through the “bamboo ceiling”. The ABC spoke to four finalists in the 2021 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australians Awards — a nanotechnology engineer, a ballet dancer, a human rights lawyer and a telco executive — about the […]

Australia installs first space laser optical ground station in southern hemisphere

Recently, my colleagues and I swung a half-tonne telescope onto the roof of the physics building at the University of Western Australia. For a tense moment, my career hung from a crane hook. The telescope is the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere and represents a new generation of space communications using lasers. […]

Providers: Check your delivery locations in asqanet are up-to-date

Maintaining accurate and up-to-date provider information is a requirement for training providers. Accurate delivery location data is important to provide students with surety and understanding about how and where your courses can take place. The information you provide in asqanet will be reflected on training.gov.au. If you haven’t already done so this year, please check […]

Student wellbeing and online learning: Tips for students

Due to the current outbreak of the COVID-19 strain of the coronavirus many higher education providers have switched to online delivery of all or many of their courses. Some providers have a lot of experience in online teaching while others are new to the experience. The same is true for the students in higher education. […]

India, Australia concur that ‘Afghanistan must not become terror hub’

India and Australia on Saturday, September 11, 2021, and expressed concern over the situation in Afghanistan and hoped that its territory would not be used for terrorists’ activities and doesn’t become a safe haven for terrorists. Speaking to the media after the first 2+2 dialogue between India’s external affairs minister S Jaishankar and defence minister […]

India urges Australia to address students’ difficulties due to travel restrictions

India on Saturday urged Australia to sympathetically address as soon as possible the difficulties being faced by Indian students due to the travel restrictions put in place by that country in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. The issue was taken up during deliberations when External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held […]

‘It’s so hard’: how the pandemic upended young people’s career paths

Remote learning and its detrimental effect on their study have forced many teenagers to rethink tertiary education. Morgan Vella and his friends used to hold high ambitions for what life would look like after graduating high school: leaving their regional Victorian town for university in the city, enjoying a world of busy dormitories, student bars […]

Internationals contribute £28.8bn to UK economy yearly

International students in the UK contribute £28.8 billion to the country’s coffers annually – an equivalent of every citizen being on average of £390 better off – new analysis has revealed. The costs and benefits of international higher education students to the UK economy report found that international students add a net economic benefit of […]

Canada: students worry about unaffordable course withdrawal

International students enrolled at Canadian institutions have said they are unable to withdraw from their courses and get refunds due to college policies and visa processing delays. As part of applications for study visas, students using the fast-track study permit Student Direct Stream were required to pay for a full year of study up front, […]

Afghan women at university will study separately from men, the Taliban say

The new Taliban government says Afghanistan’s education system had changed since their last time in power. But women will only be allowed to study in gender-segregated classes and Islamic dress enforced. Afghan women will be allowed to attend university as long as they study separately from men, the Taliban’s new higher education minister said on […]

China Revises Law to Advance Innovation in Science, Technology

Chinese national lawmakers began deliberating a draft revision to the law on scientific and technological progress, as the country seeks to advance the quality and efficiency of its innovation in science and technology. The draft was presented to the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for its first reading. The […]

U.S. Invests $220M in Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) announced a $220 million investment in 11 new NSF-led Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Institutes. USDA-NIFA and other agencies and organisations have partnered with NSF to pursue transformational advances in a range of economic sectors and science […]

Australia’s manufacturing sector to be revived as a result of COVID-19

IBSA Group, a workforce skills program developer, in support of National Skills Week next week, reports that Australia’s manufacturing sector will be reignited as a result of COVID-19. More job opportunities and skills-based apprenticeships are likely to be created, due to more companies manufacturing in Australia rather than abroad, IBSA Group CEO Sharon Robertson said. […]

Extra $3.2m to boost support for vocational education and training

A new funding model, backed by a $3.2 million investment, will help government schools to support their students into industry-endorsed Vocational Education and Training (VET). Under the new arrangement, government schools will receive top-up funding of $300 for each student, or $600 for each eligible student with a School Card, enrolled in a VET qualification […]

Australian border closures blamed for $2.7bn ELICOS related loss

Border closures related to the pandemic in Australia will see the country’s economy AU$2.7 billion worse off due to losses in income that would usually be generated by the ELICOS sector, according to a new analysis. English Australia’s Economic Impact research – prepared by Bonard – found that border closures resulted in a $1.2bn loss […]

Aged care facing impending shortage of 110,000 workers, report finds

Urgent action is needed to address a looming shortage of at least 110,000 aged care workers over the coming decade, including boosting pay and conditions and creating a new dedicated migration path to boost the labour force. The stark warning is contained in a new report to be released by the Committee for Economic Development […]

Morrison Government marks National Skills Week 2021 with highest funding for skills and training in Australian history

The Morrison Government has marked National Skills Week 2021 by reminding Australians of the incredible opportunities of a skilled career as hundreds of thousands make use of the skills and training pathways guaranteed through record levels of federal funding. Given the massive demand for skilled workers it is also a great reminder that it is […]

The changing career expectations of Australian teens

New analysis reveals the occupational aspirations of Australian girls have become more concentrated over time, while those of Australian boys have become less concentrated. The latest issue of ACER’s Snapshots series examines data from the 2018 OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) about Australian students’ occupational aspirations and the roles they expect to be […]

How the Australian VET sector is changing

The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) has released the latest data on Total VET Activity. Looking at program enrolments (full qualifications, accredited courses and skillsets) in TAFEs and private providers the data shows that government funded enrolments in TAFE have been largely static at a national level for the last five years (although […]

The VET Sector News II- September 2021

How the Australian VET sector is changing The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) has released the latest data on Total VET Activity. Looking at program enrolments (full qualifications, accredited courses and skillsets) in TAFEs and private providers the data shows that government funded enrolments in TAFE have been largely static at a national […]

COVID Lifestyle transforms aspirations of young Australians

A survey of demand for information on careers and university courses has revealed tremendous change in aspirations across Australia in wake of COVID-19. Analysis by Good Education Media, the publishers of the Good Universities Guide, and higher education consultancy Twig Marketing studied millions of searches in the 18 months prior to the pandemic and in […]

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is seeking input on a proposed anti-plagiarism software merger.

In a statement released Thursday, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) expressed reservations over Turnitin’s proposed acquisition of Ouriginal. It was in March 2021 that Turnitin first revealed its intention to buy Ouriginal. Turnitin and Ouriginal are anti-plagiarism software suppliers who primarily target higher education providers (HEPs), such as educational institutions, with their education […]

University jobs lost at a rate of ‘one in five’ as COVID-19 border laws continue to bite

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying economic recession, Australia’s higher education sector was hit harder than any other industry in the country’s economy, according to the latest report. Because of public health measures and the closure of Australia’s borders to international students, universities in Australia have been driven into financial and operational […]

ASQA’s strategic review of online learning

As part of its ongoing maintaining quality and compliance assurance requirements surrounding online learning in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) is now conducting its strategic review. The organisation began the strategic assessment in 2020, motivated by the large number of providers who transferred their distribution to the […]

CAQA Recruitment – Right people, Right skills, Right now

Are you looking for quality staff? Sick of wasting money on job ads that disappear in 100’s of other ads? Are you only getting applications from people who are not qualified to work in VET? Introducing CAQA Recruitment, a place dedicated to recruitment in the vocational education and training sector. Looking for staff? Design and […]

Professional Business Analysts (Proba)- Find business analysis solutions for your organisation

Stuck in the past, oblivious to prospects and using inefficient methods of doing business with consumers and suppliers? Professional Business Analysts (Proba) business analysis consulting services can assist you in outsourcing the right people to your team, making it easier to achieve your objectives. Unless you are a bob on the water, what business operator […]

Course delivery using different delivery modes

What delivery modes can you use to deliver training? Face to face/ on campus/ classroom based delivery It is learning in a classroom environment with qualified trainers who guide the learners through high-quality learning and assessment activities. The trainer usually teaches all of the units of competency content to a small group of learners, with […]

Converting the audit quality practices to system-centred rather than individual-auditor-centred

When we talk about “audit quality practises,” we talk about the factors that influence the outcomes of audits conducted on behalf of a regulatory body, such as the behaviour of auditors, the decisions they make, the approaches they take and the way they act in order to ensure that audit outcomes are appropriate, suitable, relevant, […]

Quality training and assessment resources from CAQA Resources

While operating as a registered training organisation, you will be required to make a range of decisions, with obtaining high-quality training and assessment resources being among the most significant. To ensure that your students receive the learning experience necessary to function competently in their chosen vocation, you need to invest in quality assessment and learner […]

Resource Validation Services: Why outsourcing can be a great option

Following the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Amendment (Governance and Other Matters) Bill 2020, ASQA has made a significant upgrade to the architecture of the vocational education and training (VET) sector and its approach. The rapid change roadmap includes strengthening ASQA’s strategic stakeholder engagement and education to build provider capacity for self-assurance. In line […]

Message from the General Manager (19 September 2021)

Message from the General Manager Have you looked at ASQA’s new Corporate Plan?  The plan shows that the organisation is committed to best practices and proportionate regulation. ASQA will assist providers in better understanding what they do, why they do it, and how they do it. According to ASQA, we may anticipate fair processes, consistency, […]

Part 1- The trainer and assessor files

Compliance of your trainer records is a must for any Registered Training Organisation. If you do not know what you are looking for, you will always have difficulty finding it. The purpose of this article is to provide you with the required information and resources to ensure you can audit and review your trainer and […]

What are the specific programs selected for Skill First 2022 for new applicants?

Skill First -2022 List of Specific Programs Do you know that one of the main eligibility criteria to apply for the 2022 Provider Selection Process is that your RTO must have delivered training (in the course that you seek to deliver under the contract) in one or more Programs of the 2022 List of Specific […]

Part 1- The importance of internal audits

This is our first article in the series regarding “Internal audits”. Our main intention is to provide you with the required knowledge and skills, and equip you with the necessary resources to ensure you can audit your organisation against quality frameworks and standards effectively and efficiently. What are Internal audits? Internal audits are an independent, […]

The VET Sector News- September 2021

ASQA approves extended transition period for Early Childhood Education & Care qualifications from the CHC Community Services training package until 20 January 2023 ASQA has recently approved an extended transition period for the following Early Childhood Education & Care qualifications. The extended training, assessment and certification issuance period for this qualification ends on 20 January […]

VET Qualifications Reform Survey – The world of VET is changing again including the units of competency

The world of vocational education and training is changing once more, and this includes the structure of units of competency. The Department of Education, Skills, and Employment is participating in consultations on the new structure, methods, and procedures connected to the vocational education and training sector over a period of 1.5 years as part of […]

CAQA Systems Services

CAQA Systems provides technology services and support, and works in partnership with its customers. We collaborate with innovative organisations and service providers, assisting them in maximising the efficiency and effectiveness of their technology investments. We specialise in network administration, software systems and development, hardware and software support, software system and development, cybersecurity, information technology-related issues […]

Online Media Solutions (OMS) Services

Over the past two decades, Online Media Solutions (OMS) has provided assistance to clients worldwide. OMS merged into the CAQA and Career Calling brands in 2013. Services offered by Online Media Solutions include: website design and development; website security; web hosting; domains marketplace; development of iOS and Android applications; software development; graphics design including logos, […]

How to transition from classroom to online or distance training and assessment

Moving from face-to-face training and assessment to online or distance learning and assessment can be difficult, especially when you have already invested in facilities, equipment, and resources for face-to-face training and assessment. However, in order to survive and also to embrace new technologies, many training organisations have decided to move to an online or distance […]

Check if you have an authorised copy of the training and assessment resources

Training organisations should double-check that they have an authorised copy of the training and assessment resources from the publisher of the resource before using them for training purposes. In a number of audits, the regulatory body has requested proof of purchase because a number of stakeholders are aware that there are some offenders in the […]

Staying on top of compliance

Introduction RTOs are required to comply with an increasing number of constantly changing regulations and reporting and there is a heavy price to pay if found non-compliant. With ASQA’s emphasis on RTOs self-management of ongoing compliance through systemic monitoring, what is the best way to stay on top of and adapt to the journey of […]

Message from the General Manager (3 September 2021)

Message from the General Manager There are many changes taking place around the world right now, and the VET sector is no exception to this. The changes include VET Qualifications Reforms, a new AQF Framework, new technologies and practices for online course delivery. Some of these changes are covered in this edition of our newsletter. […]

Various phases of the assessment and validation processes (Part 3)

This is Part 3 of the article, where we are discussing the different phases of the validation processes an RTO should be following to ensure they meet regulatory requirements and industry expectations. In the previous articles, we discussed the following regarding the validation of assessment resources: Explanation of assessment validation Typical benchmarks used during the […]

Getting acquainted yourself with the VET

VET information at your fingertips NCVER’s VET Knowledge Bank is a key source of reference information about Australia’s VET system. Did you know the VET sector is the largest education sector in Australia? Like most countries, Australia’s VET system is complex and ever-changing. Getting to know VET aims to explain the system via a chart of the key components, […]

Message from the General Manager (22 August 2021)

Message from the General Manager If humans are capable of learning from their experiences, one thing that would stand out in this COVID era is that life will never be the same again, no matter how much we want things to return to the way they were. The education industry now requires better communication and […]

The VET Sector News II-August 2021

National Skills Week 2021: RETHINK your ideas National Skills Week, which is now in its eleventh year, will once again aim to bring to life the positive messages by exposing the talents, skills, career routes, and worth of apprentices and trainees across Australia to the general public and business community. For more information, Click here. […]

According to a new report, businesses are increasing their investments in cybersecurity skills

According to new research from cybersecurity firm Sophos, internal IT departments and businesses are making investments in their staff’ cybersecurity skills and knowledge. According to a new analysis from Sophos, IT teams around the world faced unprecedented challenges in 2020 and 2021, with cybersecurity issues ranking at the top of the list – if not […]

Introducing Cyber Security BSBSS00094 and BSBSS00093 Skill Set Resources on Virtual Platform

We are excited to announce the complete set of resources for BSB Cyber Security skill set units. These resources are created in collaboration with eduLAB, provider of virtual platforms for education and CAQA Resources, a leading publisher of vocational education and training resources. CAQA Resources have been providing resources in the VET industry for over […]

Education standards and politics

We are all well aware that in any country, it is hard to separate politics from educational issues and standards. However, it is quite sad when politics begins to have an impact on education for a variety of negative reasons. Educational standards should be upheld at all times, but using education to score political goals, […]

RPL Kits-Let’s discuss compliance with clauses 1.8 and 1.12

The legislative requirements The legislation is very clear regarding compliance in RPL kits and why you need to have RPL Kits for every unit of competency you are training and assessing. The legislative instrument includes the following clauses: Assessment 1.8. The RTO implements an assessment system that ensures that assessment (including recognition of prior learning): […]

Online learning is much more than access to training and assessment materials online

In spite of the fact that different nations are at different stages of COVID-19 infection rates, there are currently more than billions of learners in 186 countries who are affected by face-to-face classroom closures as a result of the epidemic. This is one of the reasons why we decided to create a few articles to […]

Scorm, HTML5 and m-learning? Need help?

Until recently the high degree of interactivity, immersive graphics, and fascinating animations of Adobe Flash made it one of the most popular authoring tools for eLearning courses. With fewer smartphones and tablets being able to support Flash, HTML5 and SCORM compliant files are quickly becoming the preferred formats and standards among eLearning professionals. SCORM compliant […]

Celebrating the 12th anniversary of Career Calling

Can you believe Career Calling has been in operation for 12 years? This is a fantastic opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to making Career Calling what it is today. Here are a few words from our CEO, Sukh Sandhu, to commemorate the occasion: What began as a dream, has grown into Career Calling […]

Assessment issues that may have an impact on your RTO audit (Part 2)

This is Part 2 continuing from the previous newsletter. As discussed in Part 1 of this article, there are a number of assessment-related issues that may affect your audit outcome. You should ensure your assessment resources, therefore, meet the following criteria: The context and conditions of assessment. For example, an assessment tool could be developed to cater […]

Various phases of the assessment and validation processes (Part 2)

This is Part 2 of the article, where we are discussing the different phases of the validation processes an RTO should be following to ensure you meet regulatory requirements and industry expectations. In the previous article, we discussed the following regarding the validation of assessment resources: Explanation of assessment validation Typical benchmarks used during the […]

The VET Sector News- August 2021

Australia is facing a severe labour crunch As the world recuperates from the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic, labour shortage has crippled many advanced economies. To deal with this, Australia has released a Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) – a list of skilled occupations that the Australian government has assessed will be needed to […]

The Covid-19 surge in Australia is threatening plans for student return

The state government of New South Wales has placed on hold its proposal to allow international students to return home after the state government unveiled a trial plan for a limited-phased return of international students in June. As a result of the most recent lockdown, there has been a pause in the implementation of this […]

Some ESOS courses are no longer required to be registered with CRICOS

It is now allowed for registered training providers to offer certain supplementary courses to international students without having those courses listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). The Education Services for Overseas Students (Exempt Courses) Instrument 2021, which exempts some supplementary courses from the ESOS Act, took effect on […]

RTO Survey: Mandatory Work Requirements for Certificate III in Individual Support

The Human Services Skills Organisation is conducting a survey about Mandatory Work Placement for students completing the Certificate III in Individual Support. RTOs delivering this qualification are encouraged to share their feedback to address their experiences in accessing the mandatory work placements. For more information, Click here.

COVID-19 and changes in the changes in the Financial Viability and Risk Assessment (FVRA)

It poses significant challenges for RTOs to continue to provide high-quality training and ensure that students complete their courses during periods of lockdown and restrictions. The commercial prospects of many RTOs have been adversely harmed by the quarantine at home and travel restrictions implemented here and overseas. Under these circumstances, RTOs are under a great […]

Message from the General Manager (8 August 2021)

Message from the General Manager With this edition of our monthly newsletter THE VET Sector, we will discuss the most recent changes to the Financial Viability and Risk Assessment (FVRA) and its impact on training organisations, the best strategies for remaining financially viable, and other important news and updates related to vocational education and training, […]

Assessment issues that may have an impact on your RTO audit (Part 1)

It is important to look into ASQAs 2017 report that shows: Around 72% of RTOs FAIL audit on Assessment Approximately 50% of those FAIL to be able to rectify their assessment tools on resubmission under the OLD audit mode According to the new audit model: There may be NO opportunity to rectify critical non-compliances Initial […]

Various phases of the assessment and validation processes (Part 1)

In this article, we will discuss different phases of validation processes that you should be following in your RTO to ensure you meet regulatory requirements and industry expectations. Validation of RTO assessment resources You must validate all your assessment resources to ensure they meet the principles of assessment, rules of evidence, training package requirements, regulatory […]

Part 3- How compliance and quality assurance are two separate but intertwined concepts

In this third and final part of our “compliance and quality assurance,” articles, we are continuing to discuss compliance and quality assurance requirements, standards, expectations and the differences between them. How does quality assurance differ from compliance? It can be overwhelming trying to keep track of all your organisation’s compliance obligations. That’s why many businesses […]

How to make reasonable adjustment in summative assessments

The concept of ‘reasonable adjustment’ is important and must be considered. This means that the summative assessment process may be modified so that individual participants are not disadvantaged. For example, a learner with a disability, or with issues relating to language, literacy or numeracy may require some adjustment to the assessment process. In accordance with […]

Part 2- How compliance and quality assurance are two separate but intertwined concepts

When we look at the current Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015, the clauses relevant to Registered Training Organisations’ regulatory compliance, the reporting and governance practice, they all clearly underpin good management practices and effective compliance control procedures—and, as a result, the effective functioning and sustainability of RTOs. These Standards support RTOs to provide high-quality […]

The role of trainer in a training organisation

Trainers don’t just train. They listen, they learn, they plan, they adapt, they help, they soothe, they challenge and they tolerate. Students expect all this, and often more besides. But, for a Trainer to be effective at training, they must be very clear about what is most important. Fortress Learning gave it some thought and came […]

Part 1- How compliance and quality assurance are two separate but intertwined concepts

When you plan to run a registered training organisation (RTO), you may find it difficult to know: the complete regulatory framework and environment your legal obligations and everything else required to run a successful, compliant Registered Training Organisation. Take compliance and quality assurance, for example, you may have heard about them, but do you know […]

Obligations of Registered Training Organizations in Terms of Reporting

Under the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015, all RTOs are obliged to provide accurate and complete data. All ASQA-registered training organisations RTO must meet mandatory annual data submission requirements, including: Submitting the annual declaration on compliance to ASQA Submitting total VET activity (TVA) data, including the reporting of unique student identifier (USI) data. There […]

Part 2- Contextualising of assessment resources

Contextualisation of training packages, accredited curricula and learning resources can be achieved without compromising the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015. Contextualisation is the addition of industry-specific information to tailor the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 to reflect the immediate operating context and thereby increase its relevance for the learner. Contextualisation is […]

Part 1- Contextualising of assessment resources 

Contextualisation of training packages, accredited curricula and learning resources can be achieved without compromising the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015. Contextualisation is the addition of industry-specific information to tailor the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 to reflect the immediate operating context and thereby increase its relevance for the learner. Contextualisation is […]

Change of Registered Training Organisation Ownership – What is required?

In this ever changing world, we are seeing many RTO’s change ownership for a variety of reasons. So what is involved? How do you know you are ready and prepared? What evidence do you need? Anyone involved in the transfer of ownership of registered training organisations (RTOs) and Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for […]

Building a strong workplace culture in your RTO

In every workplace, the culture of the company is imperative to the organisation’s success. The company culture has an impact on nearly every aspect of the business. So why is it so important for your RTO to have a positive workplace culture? Having a positive workplace culture equals a happy workforce. A happy workforce means […]

Writing your Training and Assessment Strategy – Part 2 of Part 5

To refresh yourself, please find Part 1 here In our part 1, we had the opportunity to cover a number of topics relevant to writing a compliant and useful training and assessment strategy. Topics covered included: What is the definition of training and assessment strategy? Why is it known as a high-level view of a […]

How to complete a compliant Trainer Matrix – Part 2 of Part 5

To refresh yourself, please find Part 1 here The majority trainers are unaware of the value of having an accurate and up-to-date trainer matrix available as a road map to the training planned, designed, and offered to learners and ultimately also for the audit and verification purposes. Part of a training organisation’s responsibility is to […]

New RTO Resources Now Available!

Here at CAQA we have been busy little bees! There are many new resources now available for sale and plenty more to come. And don’t forget we currently have 40% off our entire website, so it is a great time to buy! Some of the new additions ready for delivery now are: First Aid Resources […]

Writing your Training and Assessment Strategy – Part 1 of Part 5

A Training and Assessment Strategy (TAS) is the approach of, and method adopted by, an RTO with respect to training and assessment designed to enable learners to meet the requirements of the training package or accredited course (Glossary, Standards for RTOs 2015). The Training and Assessment Strategy (TAS) is a high-level view of a program […]

How to complete a compliant Trainer Matrix – Part 1 of Part 5

We believe that representatives of the training organisations and trainers usually do not understand the importance of the correct and current trainer matrix available for audit. If you do not keep on top of compliance requirements, you may fall behind and you will not realise that your trainers can not actually train or assess the […]

What happens when one of the electives in a qualification has been superseded?

There is great confusion in the VET sector, especially now with all the changes that have been made to the BSB, ICT and HLTAID qualifications. We are constantly answering this question: If an elective has been superseded in a qualification, but the old unit is still listed as the elective, which one am I supposed […]

‘Energising Tasmania’ agreement signed

The Australian and Tasmanian Governments have signed an agreement that will support thousands of Tasmanians through the delivery of fee-free training to develop a skilled workforce for the renewable energy and related sectors. The Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, the Hon Michaelia Cash, said the $17 million Energising Tasmania project will equip […]

Interview with The RTO Doctor’s Founding Director – Raelene Bartlett

Raelene is the author of two best-selling books, CRICOS CPR: Top 5 Tips to Rescue Your RTO and Legal Decision-Making under the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 (Cth): An investigation into merits review. As one of Australia’s leading sanction management specialists in VET and international education, she is well known for her […]

Annual declaration on compliance

Are you confident that your RTO meets current compliance requirements with RTO standards? Or do you need help? All Australian Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are required to submit an annual declaration on compliance with the RTO standards applicable to their organisation on or before 31st March 2018. The CEO Declaration The declaration is a legal […]

We hear loud & clear message from business-VET sector is not meeting your workforce needs-PM Scott

Strong comments regarding the Australian VET system were made by Prime Minister Scott Morrison in his speech to the Business Council of Australia (BCA). “We hear loud and clear the message from the business – that our Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector is not meeting your workforce needs. I’m not going to throw more […]

Are you looking for a VET professional to join your team? Or perhaps you are looking for your next career opportunity?

Specialising in recruitment Australia wide, Career Calling Jobs work with a large number of qualified and passionate candidates searching for the next challenge in their career within the VET sector. Our platform receives an extraordinary number of applications from candidates who are specifically seeking employment in the industry. We are currently working with professionals who […]

I paid for it – why don’t I own it? – the copyright trap, article by Margaret Ryan, Lawyer and Trade Marks Attorney

If your business commissions a graphic artist to create a logo and brand collateral for the business, who owns the copyright in the artwork? Have you thought about this? It is important that businesses do think about this when commissioning third parties to create artistic works and literary works. These works can include: logos; artwork […]

Understanding the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Amendment Bill 2019

In 2017, the Hon Karen Andrews MP, the Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, commissioned a review of the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 (NVETR Act) and its associated legislative framework. The review was part of the Australian Government’s commitment to ensure the quality of the national vocational education and training […]

The pillars of Quality Assurance – Part 1 of Part 3

Quality Assurance (QA) is a way of preventing mistakes and defects in manufactured products and avoiding problems when delivering products or services to customers; which ISO 9000 defines as “part of quality management focused on providing confidence that quality requirements will be fulfilled”. QA is, therefore, the process of quality planning plus quality control.   The […]

The VET Sector News- February 2020

Coronavirus travel ban sees Chinese students miss start of university, Australia’s tertiary education sector scrambling More than 100,000 Chinese students will not be able to start their university and TAFE classes in Australia because of the travel ban put in place to curb the spread of coronavirus. On Saturday, the Federal Government banned anyone arriving […]

Coronavirus travel ban sees Chinese students miss start of university, Australia’s tertiary…

https://www.vetsector.com/post/coronavirus-travel-ban-sees-chinese-students-miss-start-of-university-australia-s-tertiary

SA Govt invests in vocational education and training

https://www.vetsector.com/post/sa-govt-invests-in-vocational-education-and-training

ACT has highest student participation and employment

https://www.vetsector.com/post/act-has-highest-student-participation-and-employment

Report on Government Services 2020

https://www.vetsector.com/post/report-on-government-services-2020

Malaysian university seeks partner for short-term study abroad program in Australia

https://www.vetsector.com/post/malaysian-university-seeks-partner-for-short-term-study-abroad-program-in-australia

Singapore’s first undergraduate health degree in speech and language therapy

https://www.vetsector.com/post/singapore-s-first-undergraduate-health-degree-in-speech-and-language-therapy

Vocational education and training

https://www.vetsector.com/post/vocational-education-and-training

Mitchell Institute releases new report and sounds VET funding alarm

https://www.vetsector.com/post/mitchell-institute-releases-new-report-and-sounds-vet-funding-alarm

VET Student Loan Caps Lifted

https://www.vetsector.com/post/vet-student-loan-caps-lifted

Coronavirus advice for RTOs

https://www.vetsector.com/post/coronavirus-advice-for-rtos

Five things RTOs need to know in 2020

https://www.vetsector.com/post/five-things-rtos-need-to-know-in-2020

The new ASQA website

https://www.vetsector.com/post/the-new-asqa-website

Australian visas exploited by “criminal people smuggling syndicates”

https://www.vetsector.com/post/australian-visas-exploited-by-criminal-people-smuggling-syndicates

These are the 15 most in-demand skills in Australia right now, according to LinkedIn

https://www.vetsector.com/post/these-are-the-15-most-in-demand-skills-in-australia-right-now-according-to-linkedin

I want to voice my opinion – Your letters and emails to us

In this newsletter, we are selecting this email that we received from one of our subscribers genuinely questioning the current regulatory environment on the Registered Training Organisations: Thank you for your ongoing support of the VET Sector and in particular your reporting on the actions of ASQA.  I have worked in the VET industry for […]

The VET Sector News II – December 2019

Apprentice and trainee commencements down in June 2019 quarter  The latest release of national apprentice and trainee data show commencements were down 3.3% to 33 295 in the June 2019 quarter, when compared with the same quarter in 2018. Apprentices and trainees 2019 — June quarter, published by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research […]

Satisfaction with vocational education and training remains high

New data from over 170 000 vocational education and training (VET) students shows that satisfaction with VET remains high, according to a new report by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER). The annual National Student Outcomes Survey is Australia’s largest survey of VET students and provides information on employment outcomes and training satisfaction […]

VET International Engagement Strategy 2025 launched

The Morrison Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure Australian VET sector continues to play a significant role in contributing to the development of a highly skilled workforce by lodging Vocational Education and Training International Engagement Strategy 2025. Australia’s first National Strategy for International Education 2025 enables Australia’s international education sector to be more innovative, […]

The rapid review of ASQA announced by Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business

A rapid review of the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has been announced. We are sharing the details of the review with this article.  Two recent national reviews have focused on the VET sector, including the role of ASQA – the 2019 Expert Review of Australia’s VET System (the Joyce Review), and the 2018 review […]

National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Amendment Bill 2019

The National Vocational Education and Training regulator Amendment Bill 2019 has been lodged in the senate.  The proposed amendments are intended to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the ASQA’s regulation of the sector. The changes strengthen registration requirements, modernise information and data sharing and improve the administrative efficiency of the NVETR Act. Key reforms […]

2019 Australian Training Awards winners announced

The Australian Training Awards are the peak national awards for the VET sector recognising individuals, businesses and registered training organisations for their contribution to skilling Australia. On 21 November the awards were presented and the winners are:  Lifetime Achievement Award — Wayne Collyer Wayne Collyer was Managing Director at Polytechnic West (now South Metropolitan TAFE) […]

Communiqué for the COAG Skills Council Meeting – 22 November 2019

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Skills Council (the Council) held its second meeting today in Brisbane to agree on an ambitious approach to enhancing vocational education and training (VET). Council congratulated the winners and finalists recognised at the Australian Training Awards on their outstanding achievements. The winners and finalists offer a shining example of […]

ASQA’s slash and burn approach on Registered Training Organisations

  An approach that is not very well thought out can cause significant knee jerk reactions. This is exactly what we all are experiencing from ASQA. The poor implementation and monitoring of VET FEE-HELP scheme and the way a few private and public organisations took advantage and rorted the funding is still causing significant nightmares […]

Victims of ASQA: The Real stories (Part – 1)

In this section we explore stories of how a regulatory body is destroying Australia’s education and training sector, the livelihood of people and causing immense stress and loss to the individuals working in the training organisations. Our first guest in this series is Brett Hilder.  Brett Hilder is a businessman with extensive experience drawn from […]

Has the Australian Skills Quality Authority taken Australia back 30 years?

The effects of the VET regulator’s actions on our industry and Australia’s reputation with regards to innovative learning has been detrimental to what is internationally seen as best practice.  The attitude towards learning methods that are applied outside traditional face-to face classroom based training have put our education system at risk.  We are not reaching […]

The drop in traineeships and apprenticeships. Why is it happening?

A recent figures revealed that the federal government over the last five years has underspent close to $1 billion of its budget on TAFE, training and apprenticeships. This is on top of previous cuts. At the same time, that these budgets cuts are happening, Australia is still experiencing critical skills shortages in several industries.  A […]

Where are we going and why are we here?

If you have followed the recent discussion on social media ASQA’s practices, RTO closures, TAFE non-compliance, rorting of government funding (by now this is historical data being republished) it is one thing that stands out; students are not part of the discussion. How did we arrive where we are at this point in time? ASQA […]

Is natural justice or procedural fairness possible with the current set up of ASQA?

We have evaluated how fair and transparent the internal workings of Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) is. Where can an RTO go to complain and seek justice? How effective are the “external avenues”?  ASQA’s auditors on the day of the audit  Please note: ASQA has engaged some very professional officers and auditors as well and […]

Concerns about the competency levels of Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) officers and auditors

The VET industry has some serious concerns regarding the competency of ASQA’s officers and auditors. We would like to look into this with some facts, records and figures.  Qualified auditors with Senior VET Experience – are they qualified enough? Unfortunately, the regulatory body has moved away from recruiting officers with a background in the education […]

Industry consultation form released to assist development of VET accredited courses

ASQA has released a tool to assist in the development of VET accredited courses. The following media released has been published by Australian Skills Quality Authority:  The Standards for VET Accredited Courses 2012 require a course developer to provide: evidence of an industry need and supporting evidence that industry consultation and validation of course content […]

Financial Viability Risk Assessment (FVRA) tool has changed again, version 3.1.

The financial viability risk assessment (FVRA) tool has been changed again by ASQA to make it more user friendly. The latest change was implemented on October 4, 2019. The changes have been made to make the FVRA tool more user-friendly and in cases where it is incomplete, provide additional guidance to identify items missing. The […]

I want to voice my opinion – your letters and emails to us

In this newsletter, we have selected this email received from one of our subscribers genuinely questioning the current regulatory environment of Registered Training Organisations: “It has been my experience as an RTO Manager that everyone except the RTO is protected in the current environment.  Students and staff can complain to ASQA and Smart and Skilled […]

Review of Australian Qualifications Framework (Part 1)

The AQF review, chaired by Victoria University tertiary education professor Peter Noonan, recommended a shake -up of Australia’s qualification system.  Under the recommended changes senior secondary students would also be able to study subjects at school that would count towards a vocational training qualification or university degree. The new changes will enable students to mix […]

Who is there to support training organisations and what RTO representatives should know. (Part 1)

In this article, we will discuss the issues registered training organisations are experiencing in their day-to-day operations. You have the following help available:  RTO consultants Extend your own understanding and get an unbiased evaluation of your training and assessment from a consultant who can evaluate your practices and give you feedback.  Contact a few and […]

ASQA has changed the rules for purchase and sale of RTO’s

Australian Skills Quality Authority has made it crystal clear that “Registered training organisations (RTOs) and Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) providers are not permitted to transfer their registration from one legal entity to another. However, where a change of company shareholdings occurs, but the ABN/ACN of the entity registered with […]

The Australian Government is investing $41.7 million to pilot Skills Organisations in human services care and digital technology (including cyber security) industries

The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business has published the following media release:  The Australian Government is investing $41.7 million to pilot Skills Organisations in two key industries; human services care and digital technology (including cyber security). The Skills Organisations Pilots will drive innovative ‘end-to-end’ training solutions and enhance the role and leadership […]

Beware of FAKE certificates and unregistered providers

ASQA published the following media release on October 4 2019:  ASQA is aware that unfortunately, there are unqualified organisations issuing fake certificates in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. Whether you are a student signing up for a course in VET or a business seeking a training provider for your employees, make sure to […]

Updates to USI transcript for closed registered training organisations

Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) published the following news on October 4 2019:  As part of a collaboration between the Australian Department of Education, ASQA and the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), ASQA is now able to upload the academic results from closed RTOs to students’ Unique Student Identifier (USI) transcripts outside the […]

Unpacking ASQA audit reports and files (Part 4)

This is part 4 of a series. We are referring here to cases from different audits conducted by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). 1. Units made compliant, qualifications become non-compliant ASQA making decisions, where individual units were made compliant but qualifications including the very same units were made non-compliant.  When we read auditor’s response […]

The VET Sector News

India is reforming education for the first time since 1986 – here’s why Australia should care India released a Draft National Education Policy (DNEP) in June 2019. It’s the first comprehensive policy proposal on education in the country since 1986 and a major, game-changing statement. Australia has a moral duty to engage with the global […]

Unpacking ASQA audit reports and files (Part 3)

Let’s look into what is actually going on in the audits and ASQA practices. This is part 3 of the ongoing series. We are referring here a number of cases from the different audits conducted by the Australian  Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).  1. ASQA officers justifying their statements using information that contradicts all documented and […]

The implications of ASQA being moving to a full cost recovery agency

ASQA and TEQSA are required by the Australian Government to transition from partial cost recovery to full cost recovery by 2020-21 making charging activities more consistent with the  other areas of Government and Australian Government Charging Framework.  Currently, neither regulator recovers the full cost of their regulatory operation or the full cost of legislative activities. […]

The major issues with current legislative and regulatory standards (Part 1)

We are starting a series of articles discussing what is broken or can be improved in the current legislative and regulatory standards. We will also talk about how there should be no room for ambiguity and a very clear understanding in terms of what is expected from the training organisations.  Our first target is the […]

How will ASQA move from its current practices?

Pic: Courtesy @edissuesaus  Note: The pic includes the famous saying of Ex-Chief Commissioner, Australian Skills Quality Authority in the Independent Tertiary Education Conference, Itec 2019 that held on 21-23 August 2019 at Marriott Surfers Paradise, for more information, please refer https://itec19.com.au/program/program/   Yes, you heard it right. The chief commissioner of Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has […]

RTO experiences with ASQA from the front line-Part 2

We are continuing to share the RTO experiences from the front line with the current regulatory body of vocational education and training, Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). 1. Completely unjust and untrue grounds used by Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) for RTO rejection    2. No exit meeting with the RTO, no information regarding where […]

A potential audit of the Australian Skills Quality Authority by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO)

The Australian National Audit Office is the national auditor for the Parliament of Australia and the Government of Australia. It reports directly to the Australian Parliament via the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate.  ANAO has scheduled a potential “performance audit” of Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) for its […]

A 19-member panel Industry VET Stakeholder Committee working to deal with the VET challenges

The Morrison Government has established its Vocational Education and Training (VET) Stakeholder committee to help drive its significant agenda of reform. Scott Morrison has flagged that VET reforms are a key reform agenda priority and is working to deal with the challenges outlined in the Joyce review that declared confidence in the sector was declining, […]

Communiqué for the COAG Skills Council Meeting (20 September 2019)

 In the last COAG Skills Council Meeting in Melbourne on 20 September 2019 all federal, state and territory skills ministers unanimously agreed that the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), Australia’s national VET regulator, should “improve its engagement with the VET sector” and expand its role in helping to educate training providers. The inaugural meeting of […]

VET ministers announce changes to the Australian Skills Quality Authority

  Sharing the most recent announcement from the Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business and The Hon Steve Irons MP, Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships. The Australian Government today announced reforms to the agency responsible for regulating the vocational education and training sector,  the Australian […]

The biggest threat to the education and training sector in Australia is bad regulation!

It is very important to evaluate the training and auditing systems to find out what is working and what is not. If true monitoring and evaluation is not happening, it will be really difficult to identify gaps in the system. Irrespective of the type of organisation (public or private), it should be independently audited at-least […]

Congratulations VOCEDplus for completing 30 years

Courtesy: VOCEDplus! It all started in 1989, with two print publications, Initiatives in Technical and Further Education and TAFE Projects in Progress. These articles were merged to become the Vocational Education and Training Research Database, a resource for the TAFE sector available through print and diskettes.      Over the past three decades, the database has undergone […]

Australian Government’s new Deregulation Task Force announced

 COAG agreed to work together to reduce regulatory and bureaucratic barriers across the federation so that businesses can grow and create more jobs. Leaders committed to improving the design and efficiency of business regulation to support jobs and investment in the interests of the community. The Commonwealth’s Deregulation Task Force will work with state, territory […]

Interview with The VET Gurus – John Price, Angela McGregor, Kerri Butter

Response from John Price regarding VET Sector Newsletter. John Price John started his career in education and training over 40 years ago. He was the Head of the School of Printing and Graphic Arts, became a TAFE Queensland Professional Development Coordinator and mentored many new TAFE teachers through their Diploma in Technical and Further Education. He […]

New ESOS Regulations for CRICOS-registered providers

The Education Services for Overseas Students Regulations 2019 (ESOS Regulations) commence on 1 October 2019. They replace the current 2001 regulations.  The ESOS Regulations commence on 1 October 2019. Registered providers must comply with the ESOS Regulations from 1 October 2019, including by giving information in the  Provider Registration and International Student Management System (PRISMS). […]

The VET Sector News

Integration is the key to the future – TROY WILLIAMS Australia needs an integrated tertiary education system in which higher education plus vocational education and training operate as one but they retain their separate identities. The rationale is strong. Those entering the workforce today are likely to have three or four careers before they retire, […]

Unpacking ASQA audit reports and files (Part 1)

Let’s look into what is actually going on in the audits and ASQA practices. We are referring here a number of examples from the audits conducted and the matters discussed in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal by the Australian  Skills Quality Authority.  1. ASQA Auditor considering online documents on a Google drive as “Student Portal” and […]

Conducting validation in your training organisation

 What is validation? Explanation: Checking that the assessment tools, methods, judgement, evidence and processes to ensure that the training product meets: Principles of Assessment – i.e. valid, reliable, flexible and fair Rules of Evidence – i.e. valid, authentic, current and sufficient The judgment made by the trainer/assessor is benchmarked* with colleagues or industry experts There […]

The VET Sector News – September 2019

ASQA’s Sample AQF documentation gets updated to meet the requirements of third-party arrangements The ASQA Fact Sheet Sample AQF documentation has been updated for a clarification in light of recent Third Party arrangements guidance. https://www.asqa.gov.au/news-publications/publications/fact-sheets/sample-aqf-documentation The fact sheet now states “Only the name of the issuing organisation (your RTO) can be included on testamurs/statements of […]

No Regulation or Bad Regulation – has ASQA failed as a VET Regulator?

We are starting this article by quoting the now very famous speech of MP   Laming in the Australian Parliament: I rise after a nationwide investigation into the performance of ASQA … This is not just a domestic issue; this is about brand Australia … This aggressive and adversarial conduct is an enormous concern”. The […]

VET accredited course leads the way

There are two different kinds of training products delivered by registered training organisations (RTOs) within the VET industry: training packages and VET accredited courses.  According to the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA):   “A VET accredited course has been assessed by ASQA as compliant with the Standards for VET Accredited Courses 2012 and the Australian Qualifications […]

VET Delivery to Secondary School Students

Vocational Training offers learners the chance to gain the required knowledge and skills to work effectively in the workplace and be part of the workforce. Vocational education and training (VET) provide this opportunity through industry-developed training packages or accredited courses while learners are still studying at school.  These courses are usually delivered in years 10, […]

VET & Higher Education –Two Pillars Of One Tertiary System

With the Australian Government’s recent and welcome focus on Vocational Education and Training (VET), some stakeholders have seen this as a pitch against the value of the higher education system. When the Prime Minister said “VET is as good as uni” he was simply saying what is self-evident, that for different people, for different employers […]

Private registered training organisations vs Public providers

Please note: We have a number of TAFE and Government providers as our clients, and the reason for publishing this article is not to damage them or their reputation. All facts mentioned in this article are facts that have been established through reports. The main aim is to look into why the regulatory body is […]

Interview: Tamara Simon: Australia’s Only Dedicated RTO Business Coach from ‘Take Another Look’.

Here is a copy of our interview with Tamara Simon – Australia’s Only Dedicated RTO Business Coach. Bio Tamara Simon is the Australia’s Only Dedicated RTO Business Coach who knows the key to RTO success lies in your Business Strategy, People Performance and Systems Simplification. Tamara has taken countless RTO CEOs, RTO Managers and RTO […]

Australia has a tech explosion, but there is a lack of workers and facilities

Australian workers could make thousands of dollars more every year by leaving their current work and reskilling in the technology sector, a new study has disclosed. Australia will have an extra 100,000 technology jobs in five years time, as the digital sector ramps up its contribution to economic growth. But local IT graduates and skilled […]

ASQA’s Regulatory Strategy 2019–21

Highlights:  The strategy identifies two target areas and five strategic initiatives Target area 1: Trainer and assessor capability, identified as a critical concern for the VET Sector in three consecutive years (2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018 -2020) Target area 2: VET in Schools Strategic Initiative 1: Recognising and supporting quality in the VET sector Strategic Initiative […]

Interview: Troy Williams, Chief Executive Officer at the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA).

Here is a copy of our interview with Troy Williams, Chief Executive Officer at the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA).  Troy, in a nutshell, what has been your experience of working in the training and education industry? It’s diverse.  From the perspective of a provider, in the late 1990s I established a Registered Training […]

The man who stood up for the vocational education and training sector – Mr Andrew Laming MP

We can see the after effects of MP Andrew Laming’s speech in parliament. Many people have started talking about the vocational education and training sector, and the processes and procedures of the current regulator.  His video that we have shared last week has received over 9,300 views, 1600 likes and 5 dislikes.The video is available […]

New projects under way

Training package and/or product consultation – August 2019 Automotive PWC Skills for Australia invite you to complete their online survey for the AUR Automotive training package and materials. Take the AUR survey  First Aid SkillsIQ is leading a project to review of the current UoCs in the first aid training package to reflect industry best […]

Experiences from the front line

We believe the purpose of a regulatory body is to promote and protect the education and training system. Australia has a world-class education and training system that other countries envy, but the real-life stories below also raise questions.  RTO One’s Experience:  This is a very common scenario in a number of stories we have received:  […]

INTERVIEW: Dianne Dayhew CEO, National Apprentice Employment Network

Dianne, in a nutshell, what has been your experience of working in the training and education industry? I have worked in training, education and employment since the mid-1990s. I have seen many ministers, governments and policies come and go, great initiatives start, gain traction, and disappear. One thing about vocational education and training is that […]

ELICOS for the International Students (Part 3 of Part 3)

In the last newsletters we discussed the following:  What is ELICOS and what it stands for  Who ELICOS applies to?  What is the definition of ELICOS? What is included in the ELICOS?  What are the benefits of having ELICOS programs on scope  Guidelines for regulatory authorities  What are ELICOS providers and their types? The status […]

Third-Party Arrangements – What does this mean for your RTO?

ASQA has published an updated guide on third-party arrangements that will come into effect from 1 September 2019 for new third-party arrangements and 1 November 2019 for existing arrangements. If you have an existing third-party arrangement, you should have already received an email from ASQA with information about the new requirements and the transition period.   […]

How does an RTO protect itself in this current climate?

RTO’s need to be prepared to weather any storm.  There are simple practices all RTO’s should be adhering to to ensure they are ready for whatever comes their way. As an RTO the first step is ensuring that you understand the applicable legislation, standards and what best practice looks like.  For the VET sector these […]

What should the vocational education and training regulatory system look like?

Our belief is that a regulatory system should be based on the following principles:  Transparency: All audit reports should be made public on ASQA’s website. This will help establish a transparent vocational education and training system.  Consistency: ASQA should only make decisions within the regulatory framework.  There also needs to be a definition of what constitutes a […]

The VET regulator Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) gone rogue

The national vocational education and training (VET) sector regulator Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), has been criticised by the Chair of the House of Representatives Employment, Education and Training Committee, Andrew Laming, LNP (QLD) Member for Bowman in a hard-hitting speech to parliament. According to the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), the peak body […]

Quality RTO Resources

List of Training  Training Packages ICT – Information and Communications Technology The following resources are now available for purchase. The assessment and learner resources have been developed by subject matter experts from industry. All resources have been checked by external validators to ensure they comply with training package requirements and industry expectations. ICT10115 Certificate I […]

Your trainer and assessor files (Part 5 of 5)

In the last newsletter we discussed the following:  The definition of a “trainer matrix” ASQA Guidelines on “trainer matrix”  What must be included in a “trainer matrix”  Who must complete the skills matrix in your RTO? The trainer file and checklist  In part 5 of the series, we will discuss common errors and non-compliance identified […]

Internal audits and why they are so important (Part 5 of 5)

In the first five parts of this series we discussed the following:  What are internal audits? What are the benefits of conducting internal audits? What is an audit scope? What is usually included in an RTO internal audit? Who can be an internal auditor? Compliance costs and risks in terms of “risk management” The effective […]

ELICOS for the International Students (Part 2 of Part 3)

In the last newsletter we discussed the following:  What is ELICOS and what it stands for  Who ELICOS applies to?  What is the definition of ELICOS? What is included in the ELICOS?  What are the benefits of having ELICOS programs on scope  Guidelines for regulatory authorities  What are ELICOS providers and their types? The status […]

Student-centred principles for educational providers with overseas students

In this article, we are discussing the top 10 student-centred principles that every educational provider must implement for the welfare and support of International students.  Educational provider must develop a thorough and well-planned risk management plan, framework according to The Australian and New Zealand Risk Management Standard AS/NZS 4360:2004 and regulatory standards and requirements.  Quality […]

CAQA New Resources

New Information Technology resources  The following resources are now available for purchase. The assessment and learner resources have been developed by subject matter experts from industry. All resources have been checked by external validators to ensure they comply with training package requirements and industry expectations.  ICT10115 – Certificate I in Information, Digital Media and Technology  […]

Introducing Career Calling Jobs!

  Recruitment in Vocational Education and Training Australia wide! Career Calling Jobs specialise in RTO Recruitment, assisting Registered Training Organisations to find the right staff for their business. We are dedicated to providing a quality service to both employers and candidates to ensure the outcome is a long lasting successful one.  Benefits for employers: Advertising, […]

The VET Sector News

Annual Registration Charge – Due July 30th 2019 ASQA will issue RTOs with an invoice for their annual registration charge. RTOs must pay the charge within 30 days of ASQA issuing the invoice.  The annual charge recovers some of the costs ASQA incurs when conducting activities necessary for effective regulation of the vocational education and […]

CAQA Resources introducing version 10.0!

At CAQA resources we are busy updating our resources to be able to provide you the most up to date and current resources available on the market. This is an extensive process and we are committed to bringing you resources that are compliant. Our resources have been extensively validated by a number of industry experts […]

Four Corners focus on Australian Universities including Murdoch U, Swinburne University and The University of Tasmania

Four Corners focus on Australian Universities including Murdoch U, Swinburne University and The University of Tasmania International students are a significant source of revenue and are major purchasers of Australian education services. The number of international fee-paying students enrolled in Australian universities in 1987 was 667. In 2007, there were 177 760, with 56 176 […]

Your trainer and assessor files (Part 4 of 5)

In the last newsletter, we discussed the following: ASQA Guidelines on “industry currency.” How to stay up to date in terms of “industry currency.” Factors that influence “industry currency.” What is “industry current or currency period.” The definition of vocational education and training currency. Licensing requirements for trainers and assessors. In part 4 of the […]

Internal audits and why they are so important (Part 5 of 5)

In the first four parts of this series we discussed the following: What are internal audits? What are the benefits of conducting internal audits? What is an audit scope? What is usually included in an RTO internal audit? Who can be an internal auditor? Compliance costs and risks in terms of “risk management.” The effective […]

ELICOS for the International Students (Part 1 of Part 3)

‘ELICOS’ stands for ‘English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students’. ELICOS programs are designed for students who require English language training before starting their formal studies in Australia. These programs are open to all, including people who are in Australia on a tourist or visitor’s visa and people who do not want to do any […]

The Quality Indicator data

The Quality Indicators provide valuable data for RTOs to identify areas for improvement in training and assessment services and to gauge how well it is meeting its clients’ needs. The Quality Indicator data that is collected will also be used by the registering body in its monitoring of the quality of the RTOs’ operations to […]

First aid training under review after the death of a footballer from heat stress

The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) urged registered training organisations (RTOs) that give first aid training to revise their practices in the wake of the decision of the West Australian coroner on the death of a young soccer player. The coroner found that the 15-year-old died after heat stroke during a rugby-league session. He received […]

VET Industry News 28-May-2019

28th National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference ‘No Frills’ 28th National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference ‘No Frills’: 10-12 July 2019 NCVER and co-hosts TAFE SA are delighted to invite you to Adelaide this July for #NoFrills2019. Presenters and delegates from across Australia and around the world will come together to explore the […]

How to avoid becoming another ASQA statistic

There are currently 3837 RTOs in Australia, down from over 4,400 RTOs in October last year. If your ASQA audit is scheduled in the next 12 months we would strongly recommend that you conduct an internal audit to identify your compliance risks, The best way to prepare for an ASQA audit is to have an […]

Your trainer and assessor files (Part 3 of 5)

In the last newsletter we discussed the following: The definition of vocational competency ASQA Guidelines on “vocational competence” The three C’s of Vocational competency related to demonstrating skills and knowledge in an “industry area” Skills and knowledge in an “industry area” In this part of the series, we will discuss industry currency, vocational education and […]

Internal audits and why they are so important (Part 4 of 5)

In the first three parts of this series we discussed the following: What are internal audits? What are the benefits of conducting internal audits? What is an audit scope? What is usually included in an RTO internal audit? Who can be an internal auditor? Compliance costs and risks in terms of “risk management” The effective […]

Ways to make the vocational education system more effective

The review led by the Honourable Steven Joyce, the former Skills Minister in New Zealand, looked at ways to improve the effectiveness of the vocational education system in providing Australians with the skills they need throughout their working lives. The report is available at https://pmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/strengthening-skills-independent-review-australia-vets.pdf. Considering 192 valid submissions from individuals and organisations, the VET Review […]

VET Industry News 06-May-2019

A plan for stronger Australia  The Business Council of Australia has released a plan for stronger Australia. Click here for more information The Independent Sector Offers Better Outcomes At A Lower Cost – ACPET   The independent Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector is highly efficient.  Domestically, it costs the government $2,400 per student trained by independent […]

CAQA New Resources (06 May 2019)

Compliance products from Compliance and Quality Assurance (CAQA) The following compliance products are available: Policies and Procedures for an RTO Policies and Procedures for a CRICOS RTO Policies and Procedures for an ERTO RTO forms and flow charts RTO student handbook (pre-enrolment and post-enrolment) RTO staff handbook RTO compliance registers Training and assessment strategies Internal […]

VET Industry News 11-Apr-2019

Strengthening Skills: Expert Review of Australia’s Vocational Education and Training System On 28 November 2018, the Prime Minister announced an independent review of Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector to examine ways to deliver skilled workers for a stronger economy. The review was led by the Honourable Steven Joyce, a former New Zealand Minister […]

Can I sue ASQA for damages?

Published with written permission from the author.  Reference: Zhouand, Z. (2019, April 09). Can I sue ASQA for damages? Retrieved April 09, 2019, from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/can-i-sue-asqa-damages-zmarak-zhouand/ In the current environment, an increasing number of people feel that they and their Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) have suffered loss and damage due to what they believe are wrongful acts […]

CAQA New Resources (11 Apr 2019)

New Information Technology resources The following resources are now available for purchase. The assessment and learner resources have been developed by subject matter experts from the industry. All resources have been checked by external validators to ensure they comply with training package requirements and industry expectations. ICT10115 Certificate I in Information, Digital Media and Technology […]

Your trainer and assessor files (Part 2 of 5)

In the last newsletter (published in November 2018) we discussed the following: Legislative and regulatory requirements Requirements for all trainers and assessors Trainer CVs In part 2 of the series, we will discuss the vocational competency requirements. The quality of your training and assessment is dependent on the skills and knowledge of your trainers and […]

Internal audits and why they are so important (Part 3 of 5)

In part 1 & 2 of this series we discussed the following: What are internal audits? What are the benefits of conducting internal audits? What is an audit scope? What is usually included in an RTO internal audit? Who can be an internal auditor? Compliance costs and risks in terms of “risk management” The effective […]

Different phases of assessment and learner validation processes (Part 4 of 4)

This is Part 4 of the article, where we are discussing the different phases of the validation processes an RTO should be following to ensure they meet regulatory requirements and industry expectations. In the previous articles, we discussed the following regarding the validation of assessment resources: Explanation of assessment validation Typical benchmarks used during the […]

Do I need to upgrade to TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment before 1 April 2019?

A number of questions trainers and assessors are at the moment asking if they need to upgrade to the latest TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment on or before 31 March 2019. You might find this article helpful if you also have questions regarding this matter. Q1: What are the legislative and regulatory requirements […]

Internal audits and why they are important (Part 2 of 5)

In the first part of this series we discussed the following:  What are internal audits? What are the benefits of conducting internal audits? What is an audit scope? What is usually included in an RTO internal audit? Who can be an internal auditor? In this part, we will cover the following areas:  Compliance costs and […]

The VET Sector News – December 2019

Poorer and regional Australian students lag behind richer peers, report finds Poorer Australian students are 18 months behind their better-off peers at school, a report by Deloitte has found. And regional students were on average eight months behind at school. If academic results could be improved by 50% for poorer and Aboriginal students, the economy […]

Why do you enjoy working in the VET Sector?

We asked this question to some of our RTO colleagues, to know what worked for them, how they are contributing positively to the VET sector, and we have captured their responses:  Dr Bryan West is founder and manager of Fortress Learning, RTO. 31974.  Fortress Learning has from its early days emphasised robust delivery of training […]

Why keep in touch with what is happening in the VET sector

Information is power. The more you read, the more you understand the world around you. The VET world is evolving at a lightning speed and is changing the way we all used to do things. Continuous learning in the VET sector is a must. Why should you keep in touch with the VET updates Because […]

Different phases of assessment and learner validation processes (Part 3 of 4)

This is Part 3 of the article, where we are discussing the different phases of the validation processes an RTO should be following to ensure they meet regulatory requirements and industry expectations. In the previous articles, we discussed the following regarding the validation of assessment resources: Explanation of assessment validation Typical benchmarks used during the […]

Internal audits and why they are important (Part 1 of 5)

This is our first article in the series regarding “Internal audits”. Our main intention is to provide you with the required knowledge and skills, and equip you with the necessary resources to ensure you can audit your organisation against quality frameworks and standards effectively and efficiently.   What are Internal audits? Internal audits are an […]

Your trainer and assessor files (Part 1 of 5)

Compliance of your trainer records is a must for any Registered Training Organisation. If you do not know what you are looking for, you will always have difficulty finding it. The purpose of this article is to provide you with the required information and resources to ensure you can audit and review your trainer and […]

Private training colleges face too much scrutiny, says ACPET

Excessive scrutiny of detailed regulatory issues by the national skills regulator is forcing private colleges into legalistic compliance, according to the Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET). ACPET has called for a review of the quality standards for VET following the latest annual report of the Australian Skills Quality Authority. Independent RTOs were […]

CAQA News (5 Nov 2018)

We are introducing a new section in CAQA News. This section will cover news and information regarding what is happening at CAQA/Career Calling headquarters. Information Technology resources The following resources are now available for purchase. The assessment and learner resources have been developed by subject matter experts from the industry. All resources have been checked […]

Different phases of assessment and learner validation processes (Part 2)

This is Part 2 of the article, where we are discussing the different phases of the validation processes an RTO should be following to ensure you meet regulatory requirements and industry expectations. In the previous article, we discussed the following regarding the validation of assessment resources: Explanation of assessment validation Typical benchmarks used during the […]

Assessment issues that may impact your RTO audit (Part 2)

This is Part 2 continuing from the previous newsletter. As discussed in Part 1 of this article, there are a number of assessment-related issues that may affect your audit outcome. You should ensure your assessment resources, therefore, meet the following criteria: The context and conditions of assessment. For example, an assessment tool could be developed to cater […]

Getting to know the VET

VET information at your fingertips NCVER’s VET Knowledge Bank is a key source of reference information about Australia’s VET system. Did you know the VET sector is the largest education sector in Australia? Like most countries, Australia’s VET system is complex and ever-changing. Getting to know VET aims to explain the system via a chart of the key components, […]

VET Industry News 10-Oct-2018

ASQA Welcomes Convictions for Dodgy Training Providers The national VET regulator has welcomed the conviction of four people who falsified documents. For more Information: visit this link. Updates to the BSB Training Package Updates to the BSB Training Package were released last week and Release 3.0 is now published on the national register of VET, training.gov.au (TGA). […]

Contextualising assessment resources (Part 1)

Contextualisation of training packages, accredited curricula and learning resources can be achieved without compromising the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015. Contextualisation is the addition of industry-specific information to tailor the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 to reflect the immediate operating context and thereby increase its relevance for the learner. Contextualisation is […]

Victorian TAFE free-for-all – is it beginning of another “Crisis”?

From January 2019, the Victorian Government will cover the cost of 30 TAFE courses and 18 pre-apprenticeship courses. The free courses run for up to two years and include accounting, agriculture, construction, plumbing, engineering and nursing. The free TAFE courses Non-apprenticeship courses Apprenticeship pathway courses Accounting, Certificate IV/Diploma/Advanced Diploma Automotive Air Conditioning Technology, Certificate II Ageing Support, Certificate IV Automotive Body Repair Technology, Certificate II Agriculture, Certificate II/III/IV […]

India to be top study destination in two years

The Indian government has promised fee waivers to foreign students choosing India as their study destination as part of a campaign that has a commitment to welcome 1 million inbound students. Following the launch of the Study in India web portal on April 18, which will be a one stop solution for international students, the government has […]

The VET Sector Newsletter – Edition 1, April 2018

The official Newsletter from Compliance and Quality Assurance (CAQA) OUR FIRST NEWSLETTER By Anna Haranas Welcome to The VET Sector, our official newsletter for the Australian VET education and training sector. This monthly publication is an initiative of the team at Compliance And Quality Assurance (CAQA). The newsletter will be a vehicle for news and […]

CEO Declaration

Annual declaration on compliance Have you submitted your Annual Declaration on Compliance? Are you confident that your RTO meets current compliance requirements with RTO standards? Or do you need help? All Australian Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are required to submit an annual declaration on compliance with the RTO standards applicable to their organisation on or […]

Current VET sector a disgrace: CEDA

The Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) is calling for a national review of the VET sector, claiming the area has been “significantly weakened” by recent scandals and a lack of focus from the government. CEDA has put forth a number of recommendations to strengthen the sector, hoping the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) will consider […]

Fake universities may have produced bogus lawyers and doctors in UK

More than 30 fake UK universities have been shut down in the past year as concern grows about students being mis-sold fraudulent degrees. The Law Society Gazette reports that 32 fake academic institutions were closed by the government over the past year; 25 of them claimed to be in the UK but were found to […]

VET Industry News 11-Sep-2018

New course accreditation application lodgement fee On 6 July 2018, ASQA introduced an application lodgement fee of $500 for all initial and renewal applications submitted for course accreditation by ASQA. At time of lodgement, a completeness check of the application will be conducted to review: Sufficiency of evidence demonstrating industry support Sufficiency of evidence demonstrating […]

How does quality assurance differ from compliance (Part 3)

In this third and final part of our “compliance and quality assurance,” articles, we are continuing to discuss compliance and quality assurance requirements, standards, expectations and the differences between them.  How does quality assurance differ from compliance? It can be overwhelming trying to keep track of all your organisation’s compliance obligations. That’s why many businesses […]

Different phases of assessment and learner validation processes (Part 1)

In this article, we will discuss different phases of validation processes that you should be following in your RTO to ensure you meet regulatory requirements and industry expectations. Validation of RTO assessment resources You must validate all your assessment resources to ensure they meet the principles of assessment, rules of evidence, training package requirements, regulatory […]

Assessment issues that may impact your RTO audit (Part 1)

It is important to look into ASQAs 2017 report that shows: Around 72% of RTOs FAIL audit on Assessment Approximately 50% of those FAIL to be able to rectify their assessment tools on resubmission under the OLD audit mode According to the new audit model: There may be NO opportunity to rectify critical non-compliances Initial […]

ASQA Regulatory strategy 2016–17 and ASQA’s Regulatory Risk Framework

ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority), VET regulator has recently released its regulatory strategy for 2016-2017.  ASQA’s Regulatory Risk Framework, which is part of the published Regulatory Strategy outlines how ASQA fulfils its responsibility by managing risk on two levels: Operational (provider risk), and Strategic (systemic risk)   Provider risk continues to be a key focus […]

Heavy penalty for bogus qualification

A former trainer has been ordered to pay $120,000 for providing her employer with 11 bogus vocational education and training (VET) qualifications, providing another two bogus qualifications to a co-worker and submitting false qualifications to the national regulator as proof of her competency. The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) successfully obtained declarations from the Federal […]

Vocational education and training courses behind significant drop of crime rate.

Vocational education and training courses have been linked to a significant drop in Victoria’s crime rates by University of Melbourne economists. They believe the benefits of the controversial education reforms have been overlooked. “What has been missing is that these reforms did increase access to publicly funded training and that has had positive flow on […]

National Strategy for International Education 2025

Australia’s first National Strategy for International Education 2025 sets out a 10-year plan for developing Australia’s role as a global leader in education, training and research. Pillar 1 Strengthening the fundamentals Goal 1: Building on a world-class education, training and research system Goal 2: Delivering the best possible student experience Goal 3: Providing effective quality […]

Ombudsman for dodgy colleges

Dozens of Victorian education providers will be scrutinised by a new investigation unit looking into dodgy training courses across the state. The new squad, headed by a former Victorian Ombudsman investigator, will conduct detailed investigations into “unscrupulous training providers”, and closely examine the quality of courses on offer. The team is currently focusing on online […]

‘Unscrupulous training providers’ to be investigated

The Andrews Labor Government is upping the pressure on rogue training providers with a new investigations unit in the Department of Education and Training to put them under the microscope. Dodgy training courses in Victoria will soon be scrutinised by a new investigation led by a former Victorian Ombudsman investigator. The crack squad, headed by […]

Higher education standards framework (threshold standards) 2015

TEQSA registers and evaluates the performance of higher education providers against the Higher Education Standards Framework, specifically, the Threshold Standards. All providers must meet the Threshold Standards in order to enter and remain within Australia’s higher education system. The Standards are available online. The Higher Education Standards Panel (the Panel) was established to provide independent advice to […]

The 2016-17 Skilled Occupations List (SOL)

2016-17 Skilled Occupations List (SOL) has been registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. The review of the SOL was conducted by the Department of Education and Training. The SOL identifies occupations that would benefit from independent skilled migration for the purpose of meeting the medium […]

Private students to be included in national student survey

For the first time, the National Centre for Vocational Education Research’s (NCVER), major survey of VET students will include fee-paying students at private colleges. Over coming weeks around 220,000 students will be asked about their recent training experience as part of the Student Outcomes Survey. NCVER Managing Director Dr Craig Fowler said that, to date, […]

Compliance and Quality Assurance (CAQA)

CAQA is Compliance and Quality Assurance, a Career Calling International initiative. CAQA offers help and support to all Australian Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and Higher Education Providers (HEPs). We can help in registering and establishing an RTO/HEP, maintaining AQTF or NVR compliance with an RTO, or even just managing RTO/HEP administration. We are one of […]

Career Calling International – Your Quality Provider

Quality Services Since client satisfaction is one of our priorities, we go to great lengths to implement practices that guarantee an efficient, fluid and friendly relationship, promoting a culture of service among our collaborators. Professional People We in Career Calling International work closely with the client throughout the project life-cycle to tailor our services to […]

Punjab police bust another IELTS racket

The special task force (STF) has busted another IELTS (International English Language Testing System) racket, arresting four persons for allegedly providing answer keys to candidates for Rs 30,000-Rs 40,000 each. The force received information that notorious gangster Manga has been involved with this racket from last few days.  He reportedly worked for the Davinder Bambiha […]

Khalsa Migration

We have a team of friendly migration consultants who have extensive experience in all visa types. Each member of our team is driven to succeed. Most of us have migrated to Australia ourselves and we fully appreciate what a successful visa outcome means for our clients. All of our consultants are fully qualified and highly […]

ASQA News 14-Aug-2018

ASQA given additional powers to seek civil penalties and issue infringement notices  On 12 July 2018, the Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC made the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Amendment (Enforcement and Other Measures) Regulations 2018(NVR Regulation Amendment 2018). The NVR Regulation Amendment 2018 allows ASQA to seek civil penalties for breaches of the […]

The Difference Between Compliance and Quality Assurance in the RTO space (Part 2)

When we look at the current Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015, the clauses relevant to Registered Training Organisations’ regulatory compliance, the reporting and governance practice, they all clearly underpin good management practices and effective compliance control procedures—and, as a result, the effective functioning and sustainability of RTOs. These Standards support RTOs to provide high-quality […]

Reasonable adjustment in summative assessments

The concept of ‘reasonable adjustment’ is important and must be considered. This means that the summative assessment process may be modified so that individual participants are not disadvantaged. For example, a learner with a disability, or with issues relating to language, literacy or numeracy may require some adjustment to the assessment process. In accordance with […]

The Difference Between Compliance And Quality Assurance in the RTO space

When you plan to run a registered training organisation (RTO), you may find it difficult to know: the complete regulatory framework and environment  your legal obligations and everything else required to run a successful, compliant Registered Training Organisation. Take compliance and quality assurance, for example, you may have heard about them, but do you know […]

ASQA News 12-Jul-2018

Definition of Enterprise RTOs updated ASQA has recently updated their guide for the Application of Initial Registration with changes taking effect as of the 1st of July, 2018.  You can find this and download for your own reference here:https://www.asqa.gov.au/sites/g/files/net3521/f/application_guide_-_application_for_initial_registration.pdf?v=1525230496 Once of the changes noted, has been to the definition of an Enterprise RTO.  ASQA now […]

My Role as Your Trainer (Infographic)

Trainers don’t just train. They listen, they learn, they plan, they adapt, they help, they soothe, they challenge and they tolerate. Students expect all this, and often more besides. But, for a Trainer to be effective at training, they must be very clear about what is most important. Fortress Learning gave it some thought and came […]

Reporting obligations for Registered Training Organisations

Under the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015, all RTOs are obliged to provide accurate and complete data.   All ASQA-registered training organisations RTO must meet mandatory annual data submission requirements, including: Submitting the annual declaration on compliance to ASQA Submitting total VET activity (TVA) data, including the reporting of unique student identifier (USI) data. There […]

Contextualising assessment resources (Part 2)

Contextualisation of training packages, accredited curricula and learning resources can be achieved without compromising the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015. Contextualisation is the addition of industry-specific information to tailor the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 to reflect the immediate operating context and thereby increase its relevance for the learner. Contextualisation is […]

Record breaking number of overseas students are selecting Australia as their education destination

Figures released recently showed a 12% increase in the number of foreign students in Australia compared to the same period last year, more than 500,000 for the year, according to new government figures.  Education Minister Simon Birmingham said Australia has taken in some 510,000 international students from over 190 countries this year.  The number of […]

Some tips on how to prepare for a meeting with the regulatory body

How to prepare for an audit or any other meeting with ASQA or their representatives. Collect audit reports, facts and related information: Always collect as much information as possible and discuss your information with an experienced compliance consultant prior to your meeting. Review prior internal / external audits. Consider any new legislation/updates to guidelines etc. […]

Time to submit your "Quality Indicator data" to ASQA

What are the “Quality Indicators”? RTOs are required to collect and report their performance against the following quality indicators: Learner engagement Employer satisfaction Learner engagement  This quality indicator focuses on the extent to which learners engage in activities that are likely to promote high-quality skill outcomes. It includes learner perceptions of the quality of their […]

VET Industry News 8-Jun-2018

ASQA is increasing scrutiny on new applications for registration from 1 July 2018. Vocational education and training (VET) and the education of overseas students make a significant contribution to Australia’s economy. More than four million people undertake VET qualifications in Australia each year and the quality of the training sector has a direct impact on […]

What happens when things have not been resolved and you have to take your matter to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal?

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) provides an independent review of a wide range of administrative decisions made by the Australian Government (and some non-government bodies). The AAT aims to provide fair, impartial, high quality and prompt review with as little formality and technicality as possible. How do I lodge an application for review? Your application […]

VET Industry News 10-May-2018

Updates from the Australian Skills Quality Authority ASQA is increasing scrutiny on new applications for registration from 1 July 2018. Vocational education and training (VET) and the education of overseas students make a significant contribution to Australia’s economy. More than four million people undertake VET qualifications in Australia each year and the quality of the […]

Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) briefings 2018

Do not miss to attend ASQA briefings 2018. ASQA has recently posted the following information regarding their 2018 briefings: Registrations are now open for a range of free face-to-face and online briefings being hosted by the Australian Skills Quality Authority during May and June. ASQA’s Training Provider Briefings will return for a third year and […]

Industry Expert reveals lessons learnt from 65+ ASQA Audits

Sukh Sandhu’s Interview conducted by EduTemps During his 20 years in the VET and Higher Education sector, Sukh Sandhu has witnessed a radical shift in compliance landscape. Here he shares his experience on how VET organisations can adapt and thrive in a challenging environment. Few industry professionals have seen the revolution in VET compliance as […]

VET student loans to support only genuine students

The education minister, Simon Birmingham, has revealed strict new rules for courses and training organisations in the VET student loans program that will penalise colleges with less than 75% pass rates by restricting enrolments.  The Department of Education expects the reforms, which begin at the start of next year, to remove about a third of […]

The new VET loan scheme to exclude shonky providers?

The new VET loan scheme to exclude shonky providers? From 1 January 2017 VET FEE‑HELP will cease and VET Student Loans will commence.  Tougher restrictions on eligible private college courses, loan caps and student engagement requirements are among the changes due to come into force in 2017. The new scheme will have a maximum $15,000 […]

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