FAQ
What is a Registered Training Organisation
A Registered Training Organisation (RTO) is a company that is registered to deliver nationally recognised qualifications. RTO's have to meet criteria defined in the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF), and are audied against the criteria regularly.
What are Training Packages?
A Training Package is a set of nationally endorsed competency standards, qualifications and assessment guidelines for a specific industry, industry sector or enterprise: When you obtain a qualification from a training package, the qualification is recognised around Australia.
What are nationally recognised qualifications?
A nationally recognised qualification is recognised in all states and territories. They are identified by the 'Nationally Recognised Training' logo.
What is the Australian Quality Training Framework?
The Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) is the quality framework that guides the activities of Registered Training Organisations (RTO's). RTO's are audited against the standards defined in the AQTF, covering all aspects of their business from learning and assessment, to processes for recordkeeping, staff qualifications, financial processes and privacy.
What does 'mixed mode delivery' mean?
Mixed mode delivery simply means that you undertake learning via a combination of delivery methods. This might include classroom based training, mixed with self paced learning, computer based learning, on job learning, tutorials, research, workbooks or similar.
Do I get a certificate for completing a course?
Yes. Providing you achieve competency, you will be awarded a qualification plus an academic transcript which lists all of the units you have completed and the result.
Do I need to 'pass' to get a certificate?
We measure your results in terms of competent or not yet competent. There is no pass or fail. You are either competent (ie you have the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to perform a task or function) or you are not yet competent (ie. Further training is required).
What happens if I 'fail' a course?
If you are deemed 'not yet competent' you will be offered reassessment, or your unit outcome will simply be 'not yet ompetent' on your transcript.
I already have skills and experience. Do I need to complete a course to get a certificate?
No. Most companies will offer a recognition of prior learning (RPL) option.
Am I too old to study?
Vocational training is open to people of all ages.
Why do some training companies charge different fees to other companies?
Training companies are commercial businesses and can set their own fees for courses. Fees are usually reflective of venues, amount of classroom based training and other variables such as resources provided. However, where the course is offered under a funded arrangement, the participant fee is the same regardless of the company you choose.
Are the courses the same regardless of the training company?
The competency standards used and the qualification issued means the same thing regardless of the company you choose. What might differ are:
- The units that are selected to make up the qualification
- The method of training
- The skills of the trainer
- Venues
- Assessment methods
- Funding arrangements
- Time taken to complete the qualification
What does being 'competent' mean?
Competency means that you have the appropriate combination of skills, knowledge and attitudes required to undertake a particular task or function
What if I can't find a course?
Keep in touch with us to be the first to hear about upcoming courses.
Am I eligible for government funding in order to complete a course?
This depends on the nature of the government funding. Some programs, such as new apprenticeships, have specific eligibility requirements based on how long you have been in employment and similar. Other programs, such as those funded under the ACT Governments Strategic Priorities Program, might be targeted to specific groups, such as mature aged people, or people with a disability.
Sometimes funding is based on the industry, particularly for new and emerging industries, and there are no specific eligibility requirements apart from being an ACT/Queanbeyan resident.
Check with us for specific advice regarding the funding that applies to courses.
What if I have a complaint regarding a training company?
Complaints regarding training companies should be directed in the first instance to the training company concerned to allow them to respond and possibly address your concerns. Alternatively, you might wish to contact the state training authority (http://www.det.act.gov.au/services/TrainingARC.htm)
A new national complaints code, strengthening the quality of Australia's Vocational Education and Training (VET) system was recently launched by the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST).
The Code, agreed by the Commonwealth, States and Territories, highlights the service standards consumers can expect from training providers and regulators.
The National Code of Good Practice for Responding to Complaints about Vocational Education and Training Quality ('the Code') seeks to ensure prompt action and consistency in all responses to complaints about training.
The ACT Accreditation and Registration Council (ARC) works to monitor the quality of VET. Responsive complaints management by RTOs is a key part of the quality assurance system in place here in the ACT. The Australian Quality Training Framework requires RTOs to have an effective and transparent complaints handling process in place.
VET consumers who have grievances with their training organisation are to lodge their complaint directly with that organisation in the first instance. Should consumers still feel their complaint is un-resolved, they should contact the ARC secretariat on 6205 7055 for advice on further action.
A copy of the National Complaints Code is available on request.
Can I choose my own training company?
Of course you can. However, if you are enrolling as a trainee or apprentice, you should discuss selection of the training company with your employer. They may already have arrangements in place with a specific company
If you wish to discuss any aspect of our organisation, please don't hesitate to contact us.