Updates to the RTO Standards (2017 Amendment)

Hi all,

Just a quick one today with an update on the key changes and overview of the new amendment to the Standards:

Definition of training and assessment credentials definition has been added, basically this highlights all the variations of the TAE qualifications, skill sets and combinations that might be held. It is used later in the variations to explain requirements for different purposes. Sadly, they didn't clarify the term training product better in relation to validation requirements against all units or qualifications, so I guess for now the debate continues on this one.

(1.11) Validation- The Standards have been clarified in relation to what skills, knowledge and currency must be held to validate a training product: basically, as of March 31 2019, holding the assessor skill set will no longer meet the validation requirements, you will need to hold the TAE16 or TAE10 plus LLN & TAEASS502 Design assessment tools or Assessor Skill Set plus TAEASS502 Design assessment tools. (Remembering that this is the unit which requires you to develop, trial and review assessment tools against three full units of competency, at least if you are going to be assessed compliantly). Note: This reinforces that if you having the product externally validated, if the validator doesn't have the vocational competency and currency, it doesn't count towards your systematic validation so ensure that you understand the purpose of sending your assessment to a consultant and know that it may not tick the 1.9-1.11 boxes if that is what you are hoping. You will also need to evidence that vocational competency and currency, making going external challenging, so take time to ensure your validation policy takes this into account, this is not a change just a common non-compliance I see.

(1.14/1.15) Trainer & Assessor Requirements- Yes, this was the one we were all waiting for and they really are giving heaps of time to move over to the new TAE40116, all the way until April 1, 2019, by which time I am fairly confident it would have been replaced, but hey, at least there's no pressure to upskill right? The late timeframe may have been due to the small number of providers approved so far and the issues, criticisms and challenges that have plagued TAE40116 to date.

(1.18) Change to Trainers under supervision- Just a small update to the latest skill set codes.

(1.21) This one was irrelevant as it only pertained to pre Jan 1 2016 anyway.

(1.22) TAE Trainers- Removed pre 2016 statement, nil effect.

(1.24) TAE Trainers working under supervision- so I have to state that I find it utterly ridiculous that anyone could train TAE under supervision, how you can deliver quality training in this circumstance is beyond me! However, they have outlined here that at least it will come into immediate effect that these trainers will no longer be able to determine assessment outcomes, even when under supervision.

(1.25) Removed pre 2016 statement, nil effect.

Overall effect & recommendations- Not a whole lot that needs to happen anytime soon!

1. Check your validation policy as per recommendations above and ensure that you are documenting who does your validation and when.
2. If you want to be proactive- get your LLN unit and the TAEASS502, please please do this through a reputable provider, my top two recommendations are MR WED, Marc and Jason are some of the most knowledgeable guys I know in this sector. I also think that Australian College of Training do a great job, most of the trainers I have seen come of there (their TAE courses run for like 20 days face to face) have a much better baseline than most. Don't take shortcuts, don't RPL it, you will only be doing yourself a disservice in the long run.
3. Get your vocational competency and currency in order! If you have read this article, make a note of it somewhere, keep a log, send an email to your compliance officer noting you want to set a plan for your vocational currency. Believe me when I say that trainer and assessor capabilities is a massive focus for ASQA, its a main focus of audit and a common area of compliance.

As Bugs Bunny says, that's all folks! Till the next amendment, I'm Lauren Hollows from Understand TAE, signing off.