This procedure describes the processes to be followed in the planning, delivery, evaluation, validation, continuous improvement and review of all VET programs, including VCAL, non-award and Vendor Accredited programs. It aims to ensure quality and compliant outcomes for all VET programs irrespective of the funding source.
This procedure applies to all University staff involved in delivery of any VET program.
The procedure addresses the five stages of the continuous improvement cycle:
- Planning
- Pre-training Preparation
- Delivery
- Transition and Teach Out
- Validation, Continuous Improvement and Review
- Federation University Australia Act (2010).
- Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015.
- Educational Services to Overseas Students Act 2000.
- Federation University Australia Statute 2021
- Part 6 – Division 4 - Student misconduct
- Part 6 – Division 5 – Suspension or exclusion on health or safety grounds
- Global Wind Organisation, Requirements for Training Providers
Term | Definition |
Assessment | The process of collecting evidence and making judgements on whether a competency has been achieved, to confirm that an individual can perform to the standard required in the workplace, as specified in the Training Package or VET accredited course and is conducted in accordance with the principles of assessment and the rules of evidence. |
Assessment Tool | Assessment tools include the following components; the context and conditions of assessment; tasks to be administered to the student; an outline of the evidence to be gathered from the candidate; and evidence criteria used to judge the quality of performance (i.e. the decision making rules). |
AQF | Australian Quality Framework is the framework for regulated qualifications in the Australian education and training systems. |
ASQA |
Australian Skills Quality Authority is the national regulator for the Australia’s vocational education and training sector. ASQA regulates qualifications and training providers to ensure nationally approved quality standards are met. |
ATOM |
Federation University Apprenticeship and Traineeship Online Management ATOM system is a University endorsed data base for managing and tracking all VET students. This data base does not replace the Student Management System but works in conjunction with it. This custom designed tool allows University staff to manage administrative tasks, file management, training plan design and management associated with delivering VET qualifications. |
Current Industry Skills |
The knowledge, skills and experience required by VET trainers and assessors to ensure that their training and assessment is based on current industry practices and meets the needs of industry. Current industry skills may be informed by consultation with industry and may include but is not limited to:
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CRICOS | Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students |
Delivery Plan (TAS Part B) | The Delivery Plan provides specific advice on how each unit will be delivered including what components of a unit or units of competency - elements, performance criteria and the required skills and knowledge will be covered in each session. It describes the materials and resources that will be used to assist with facilitation, and clearly outlines when the learning is holistic, the elements, performance criteria and skills and knowledge that have been clustered. |
Digital Capabilities | The ability to use ICT based devices, applications, software and services relevant to the expectations of the program of study. |
ESOS | Education Service for Overseas (ESOS) the minimum standards that Australian educational institutes must adhere to when delivering education to international students. |
Industry | The bodies that have a stake in the services provided by RTOs. These include, but are not limited to: enterprise/industry clients such as employers; group training organisations; industry organisations; industry regulators; industry skills councils; industry training advisory bodies and unions. |
Industry Engagement |
May include, but is not limited to strategies such as;
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LLN | Language, Literacy and Numeracy as defined by Australian Core Skills Framework which is a tool for reporting outcomes of adult English language, literacy and numeracy provision and assess levels of performance in the five core skills areas of learning, reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy. |
My Student Centre -Campus Solutions | Federation University Australia’s student management system. Students refer to this as My Student Centre. |
MOU | Memorandum of Understanding |
Induction | The process by which students are informed of essential information required under the Standards for Registered Training Organisations prior to the commencement of a particular program of study. |
Practical Placement |
Any structured workplace learning which is part of a documented agreement between the training organisation and an employer for VET programs. Practical placement is an assessable component of a qualification, designed to provide students with the opportunity, and the means, to apply skills and knowledge obtained through the study of their qualification in a supervised and authentic environment. |
Professional Development | Activities that develop and/or maintain an individual's skills, knowledge, expertise and other characteristics as a trainer or assessor. This includes both formal and informal activities that encompass vocational competencies, currency of industry skills and knowledge and practice of vocational training, learning and assessment; including competency based assessment. |
PRPD | The Performance Review and Development Program (PRDP) is the University's performance management process whereby strategic priorities and objectives are aligned to the performance and professional development of employees. |
RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) | Is an assessment process that assesses an individual's formal, non-formal and in-formal learning to determine the extent to which that individual meets the requirements specified in the Training Package or VET accredited courses. |
RTO | Refers to a Registered Training Organisation registered by ASQA (or, in some cases, a state regulator) to deliver VET services. |
Scope |
The Scope of Registration details the nationally recognised training products for which an RTO is registered to issue AQF certification documentation. It allows the RTO to: a) both provide training delivery and assessment resulting in the issuance of AQF certification documentation by the RTO; or b) provide assessment resulting in the issuance of AQF certification documentation by the RTO. Federation University’s Scope can be viewed at www.training.gov.au |
Standard(s) | Refers to the Australian Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015: http://www.asqa.gov.au/about/australias-vet-sector/standards-for-registered-training-organisations-(rtos)-2015.html |
Trainer Skills Matrix (TSM) | The Trainer Skills Matrix provides evidence of the qualifications, industry and vocational currency of trainers involved in program delivery, mapped to each unit they deliver and assess. The Trainer Skills Matrix should be updated whenever a trainer is initially allocated to deliver and assess a unit/s. Existing trainers’ allocated to a program should update their matrices at least annually to record additional industry experience, trainer qualifications changes/upgrades and relevant professional development. |
Training & Assessment Strategy (TAS) | 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. |
Training Plan | A document outlining the program of training and assessment requirements. A training plan is required for all students accessing government funded training through the Victorian Training Guarantee. |
Training Package | The components of a training package endorsed by the Industry and Skills Council or its delegate in accordance with the Standards for Training Packages. The endorsed components of a Training Package are; units of competency; assessment requirements; qualifications; and credit arrangements. |
Validation | Is the quality review of the assessment process. Validation involves checking that the assessment tool/s produce/s valid, reliable, sufficient, current and authentic evidence to enable reasonable judgements to be made as to whether the requirements of the training package or VET accredited course are met. It includes reviewing a statistically valid sample of the assessments and making recommendations for future improvements to the assessment tool, processes and/or outcomes and acting upon such recommendations. |
Vendor Accredited Programs | Are programs that are developed, accredited and maintained by a vendor and delivered by the University through a formal arrangement. |
VCAL | Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning – Foundation, Intermediate and Senior |
VET | Vocational Education and Training |
VETDSS |
Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students - VET in the VCE or VCAL allows students to include vocational studies within their senior secondary certificate. Students undertake nationally recognised training from accredited national training packages which may contribute to their VCE and/or VCAL. There are two ways VETDSS programs can provide credit towards the VCE or VCAL
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Vocational Competency | Broad industry knowledge and experience usually combined with a relevant industry qualification. Vocational competency is determined on an industry-by-industry basis and with reference to the relevant Training Package or VET accredited course. |
Actions | Responsibility | Steps | |
1. | Determine if qualification is listed on the Federation University Scope of Registration for delivery. | Director, Skills and Education Delivery / Program Manager / Coordinator |
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2. |
If qualification needs to be added to the University’s Scope of Registration then the following documentation will need to be completed and submitted to the Course Approval Committee for approval:
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Director, Skills and Education Delivery / Program Manager /Curriculum Quality Leader |
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3. | Complete / modify the Training and Assessment Strategy – TAS Part A for each qualification and various delivery modes. | Program Manager/Curriculum Quality Leader |
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4. | Complete / modify a Delivery Plan (TAS Part B) for each qualification and mode of delivery. | Program Manager/Curriculum Quality Leader |
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5. | Complete / modify Trainer Skills Matrix (TSM) for each qualification and ensure staff work plans and Performance and Professional Development Plans (PRDP) are current. | Director, Skills and Education Delivery / Program Manager / Curriculum Quality Leader / Trainer / Assessor |
Refer:
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6. | Add, delete or modify Student Management System My Student Centre (MySC) program data. | Program Manager / Program Administration |
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7. | Ensure planned delivery to apprentices/trainees, overseas students studying on-shore and VETiS students meets the requirements of all additional VET Procedures. | Program Manager |
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8. | Ensure assessment is planned according to the VET Assessment Procedure and all assessment tools are designed using the full current version of the Federation University Assessment Tools only. | Program Manager / Curriculum Quality Leader |
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9. |
Develop a Validation Schedule which should include all units from the qualification. The Validation Schedule is a five year plan. High risk qualifications and units of competency are prioritised for validation and may be validated more frequently. |
Program Manager / Head if Centre, Learner Excellence |
Refer to the VET Assessment Procedure. |
10. | For the addition of non-award and Vendor Accredited programs refer to the VET Program Approval and Maintenance Procedure | Program Manager / Curriculum Quality Leader |
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11. | Develop a strategy for ensuring accurate student attendance/participation records are maintained. | Program Manager |
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12. | Arrange and / or ensure marketing materials are ethical, accurate and consistent with the Scope of Registration. | Program Manager / Marketing Officer |
For more detailed information refer to:
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13. |
Ensure students are informed about the training, assessment and support services to be provided and about their rights and obligations RPL / Credit Transfer offered and recognised. |
Program Manager / Coordinator / Trainer / Assessor |
VET Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer Assessment Policy |
Action | Responsibility | Steps | |
1. |
Attendance rolls are to be completed at the commencement of each class. ATOM is the University’s endorsed electronic attendance roll and should be used where possible. |
Trainer/ Assessor |
1. Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and excursions and to be punctual at all times. 2. Any additional attendance requirements that may be mandated for a unit will be listed in the training package. VCE Students only: As VCE requires several of the learning outcomes to be completed through class participation and engagement, attendance is crucial. This requirement is in addition to points 1 and 2 above. |
2. | Any absences from class must be recorded. | Trainer / Assessor / Program Manager |
1. If a student does not attend class and does not notify the University of this absence, this is recorded as ‘absent’. 2. If a student does not attend class and notifies the University of the absence, this is recorded as ‘absent with notification’. Evidence of this notification should be filed in the student’s file. 3. A medical certificate or other documentation will be required for approved absences. VCE Students: Students who are not meeting the qualification attendance requirements and / or expectations will be required to meet with the Program Manager to discuss and develop strategies to assist in achieving the learning outcomes. This requirement is in addition to points 1, 2 and 3. |
3. | Vendor Accredited Programs | Trainer / Assessor / Program Manager | Vendor Accredited programs have additional student reporting requirements, vendor documentation and agreement should be referred to. |
Action | Responsibility | Steps | |
1. | Administer the appropriate LLN and digital capability review. | Trainer/Assessor or LLN Coordinator |
Refer: |
2. | Conduct Pre-training review to inform individual Training Plans. | Program Manager / Trainer / Assessor / Authorised Delegate |
Refer : VETASSESS |
3. | Provide applicant with an individualised statement of fees | Trainer/Assessor or Program Administration |
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Action | Responsibility | Steps | |
1. | Ensure all assigned trainers /assessors have access to the current qualification information as detailed in the VET Assessment Procedure. | Program Manager / Trainer/Assessor |
Refer: |
2. | Ensure all students are enrolled prior to the commencement of delivery. | Trainer / Assessor |
Refer:
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3. | Ensure student induction is conducted and provide students with relevant Federation TAFE program information. | Trainer / Assessor |
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4. | Ensure all students are issued with a Training Plan within the required timeframe. | Program Manager / Trainer/Assessor |
Refer:
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5. | Deliver training as detailed in the Training and Assessment Strategy (TAS). | Trainer / Assessor |
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6. | Ensure training and assessment is conducted in a manner that is safe and in accordance with relevant University, government and industry requirements. | Program Manager / Trainer / Assessor |
http://federation.edu.au/staff/working-at-feduni/risk,-health-and-safety Refer:
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7. | Manage issues associated with inappropriate student behaviour and maintain appropriate records. | Director, Skills and Education Delivery / Program Manager / Trainer / Assessor |
Refer:
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8. | Ensure timely, accurate management of student results and records. VET Funding Contract | Program Manager / Trainer / Assessor |
Refer: |
9. |
Ensure transition and teach out requirements are adhered to. (Standard 1.26) VET Funding Contract |
Program Manager / Trainer / Assessor |
Refer: |
10. | Ensure excursions and practical placements are conducted in accordance with Policy and Procedure. | Program Manager / Trainer / Assessor |
Refer: |
11. | Approve the list of candidates for issuing of Awards. | Program Manager |
Refer: |
Action | Responsibility | Steps | |
1. | Collect and analyse feedback from all stakeholders, including industry, students and staff for each qualification. | Program Manager |
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2. | Conduct Validation for all qualifications that have a Training and Assessment Strategy and are listed on the Scope of Registration, at least once within a five year cycle. | Program Manager |
Refer: |
3. | Develop a collated overview of the recommendations and actions to be implemented for each qualification following the 12 month validation cycle. | Director, Skills and Education Delivery /Program Manager / Coordinator / Head of Centre Learning Excellence / TAFE Compliance |
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4. |
Commence the qualification review process, using the VET Qualification Review Form (TAS – Part C). This process allows for feedback and evaluation from various sources, including recommendations and actions from validations to be incorporated into learning and teaching resources and processes for the purpose of continuous improvement. |
Director, Skills and Education Delivery /Program Manager / Coordinator / Head of Centre Learning Excellence / TAFE Compliance |
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5. | Submit and Forward the completed VET Qualification Review Form (TAS – Part C) to Course Approval Committee for noting. | Director, Skills and Education Delivery / Program Manager / Coordinator Director, Skills and Education Delivery /Program Manager / Coordinator / Head of Centre Learning Excellence |
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The overarching principle is that University will deliver the current training product to a student. All new students will be enrolled in the most current qualification available. This procedure is to be applied to all VET qualifications and students of the University, irrespective of delivery mode or location.
It is a condition of registration that the University complies with the ASQA Publication - General Direction and Teach Out, related ASQA updates and current standards within the VET Quality Framework. Victorian government funding can also be affected through enrolment of students in superseded qualifications and the VET Funding Contract should be referred to.
Action | Responsibility | Steps | |
1. | Refer to Standards RTOs 2015 and HESG funding contract. | Program Manager / Coordinator / Trainer / Assessor |
(Standard 1.26) Transition of training products
(Standard 1.27) The requirements specified in Clause 1.26(a) do not apply where a training package requires the delivery of a superseded unit of competency. |
2. | Genuine Disadvantage | Program Manager / Coordinator |
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3. | New Student | Program Manager / Coordinator / Trainer /Assessor |
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4. | Continuing Students. | Program Manager / Coordinator / Trainer Assessor |
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5. | Superseded Training Packages and Accredited Courses – equivalent. | Program Manager / Coordinator / Trainer Assessor |
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6. | Superseded Training Packages and Accredited Courses - non-equivalent. | Program Manager / Coordinator / Trainer Assessor |
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7. | HESG Funding |
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8. | Advice and Guidance for Students. |
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9. | Enrolments. |
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10. | Completion of the Request for Enrolment in Transitioning / Expired Qualification Form | Program Manager / Coordinator / Trainer Assessor |
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- Pro Vice-Chancellor, VET and Pathways (as the Approval Authority) is responsible for monitoring the implementation, outcomes and scheduled review of this procedure.
- Director of Skills and Education Delivery (as the Document Owner) is responsible for maintaining the content of this procedure as delegated by the Approval Authority.
- Specific roles and responsibilities are listed in the actions section of the procedure.
- VET Program Approval and Maintenance Procedure
- VET Teacher Qualifications and Competency Procedure
- Performance Review and Development Program Procedure
- Induction Procedure
- Australian Apprenticeship Traineeship Delivery (VET) Procedure
- Quality Framework
- Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS) Course Development and Delivery Procedure
- VET Assessment Procedure
- Evidence of Student Participation / Engagement (VET) Procedure
- VET Pre-Enrolment and Enrolment Procedure
- Bullying Prevention and Management Procedure
- Incident and Emergency Management Procedure
- Enrolment Withdrawal (TAFE) Procedure
- VET Work Based Training and Practical Placement Requirements Procedure
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) Awards Procedure
Forms
Title | Location | Responsible Officer | Minimum Retention Period |
Roles and Responsibility Checklist (Commercial/ Third Party Agreements) | Federation TAFE | Program Manager / Coordinator | 2 years after completion of course |
Program Delivery Timetable | Department | Program Manager / Coordinator | 2 years after completion of course |
Attendance / Participation Records | Department | Program Manager / Coordinator / Trainer / Assessor | 7 years |
Flexible Delivery Participation Record – Individual Student | Department | Program Manager /Coordinator / Trainer / Assessor | 7 years |
Flexible Delivery Participation Record – Entire Class | Department | Program Manager /Coordinator / Trainer / Assessor | 7 years |
Practical Placement Agreement Form | Department | Program Manager /Coordinator / Trainer / Assessor | 7 years after contract has expired. If legal proceedings arise, record to be kept permanently |
Excursion Forms | Department | Program Manager /Coordinator / Trainer / Assessor | No incident occurring – 7 years after excursion. Incident occurring – 20 years after excursion |
On-going Assessment Records | Department | Program Manager /Coordinator / Trainer / Assessor | 7 years |
Unit/Module Outline | Department | Trainer/Assessor | 2 years after completion of course |
Assessment Tools | Department | Trainer/Assessor | 2 years after completion of course |
The VET Qualification Delivery Procedure will be implemented throughout the University via:
- Inclusion on the University's online Policy Library.
- Inclusion on Policy & Procedure / Operational agenda item on Executive / Leadership Meetings.
- Inclusion on Policy & Procedure / Operational agenda item on Learning & Teaching Meetings.
This Procedure will be communicated throughout the University community in the form of:
- an Announcement Notice via FedNews website and on the ‘Recently Approved Documents’ page on the ‘Policies, Procedures and Forms @ the University’ website to alert the University-wide community of the approved Procedure;
- distribution of e-mails to Head of School / Head of Department / University staff; and/or
- documentation distribution, eg posters, brochures
- Notification to Faculties