25 July 2023 AHC Training Package Updates
Extended Transition Period AHC Qualifications
Guided by the principles outlined in the Guidance for Providers – Learner Transition, ASQA is authorised to grant transition periods that surpass the timeframes specified in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015. This approach is grounded in the understanding that learners may face genuine disadvantages when qualifications undergo rapid changes. By extending transition periods, ASQA aims to strike a balance between implementing necessary updates and providing learners with a fair chance to complete their qualifications.
A recent decision by ASQA has introduced an extended transition period for a suite of qualifications in the Agricultural, Horticultural, and Community Coordination sectors. The qualifications encompass a diverse range of skill levels, from entry-level certificates to advanced diplomas:
- AHC10216 – Certificate I in Agri-food Operations
- AHC10316 – Certificate I in Horticulture
- AHC20116 – Certificate II in Agriculture
- AHC20416 – Certificate II in Horticulture
- AHC30116 – Certificate III in Agriculture
- AHC30716 – Certificate III in Horticulture
- AHC32816 – Certificate III in Rural Operations
- AHC33719 – Certificate III in Protected Horticulture
- AHC40116 – Certificate IV in Agriculture
- AHC40416 – Certificate IV in Horticulture
- AHC50116 – Diploma of Agriculture
- AHC50416 – Diploma of Horticulture
- AHC51216 – Diploma of Community Coordination and Facilitation
Remarkably, the extended transition period for these qualifications extends until 22 January 2025. This provides ample time for new learners to enrol and commence their studies within these qualifications. However, it is imperative that all learners either obtain their qualifications or transfer to a suitable replacement qualification by the designated end date.
Fostering Collaboration: The Skills Impact Connection
This substantial decision to extend the transition period was fortified by collaboration with the Agribusiness Jobs and Skills Council through Skills Impact. The involvement of industry representatives in this process ensures that education remains aligned with the evolving needs of the workforce. This partnership underscores the commitment to facilitating smooth transitions for learners while acknowledging the industry’s changing demands.
Implications and Opportunities for Learners and Providers
The ASQA decision to extend the transition period for AHC qualifications holds significant implications for both learners and training providers. Learners now have an extended runway to embark on their educational journeys, adapt to changes, and fulfil their aspirations. Simultaneously, training providers are responsible for ensuring their offerings remain current, compliant, and engaging throughout the extended period.
8 February 2023 AHC Training Package Updates
AHC30916 – Certificate III in Landscape Construction extension
In a recent development, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) announced that an extended transition period had been approved for the qualification AHC30916 – Certificate III in Landscape Construction. All providers with scope for delivery for continuing students only will have until 14 February 2024 to complete training, assessment, and certification issuance for this qualification.
ASQA only approves extended transition periods when it can be shown that not allowing an extension would result in genuine disadvantages to a group of learners. In this case, Skills Impact and VRQA supported the decision to extend the transition end date for AHC30916 – Certificate III in Landscape Construction.
During the extended transition period, this qualification will remain on the providers’ scope of registration. Training providers must communicate the extended transition period to their learners to ensure they have enough time to complete their training, assessment, and certification.
ASQA’s announcement will also benefit students unable to complete their qualification due to unforeseen circumstances, giving them additional time to finish their studies and receive their certification. This decision reflects ASQA’s commitment to ensuring that all learners have the opportunity to achieve their qualifications without any undue disadvantage.
Discover how to elevate your AHC Training Package delivery with the latest AHC materials below.
Qualifications
Updated Qualifications
| Superseded Qualifications | Current Qualifications | Equivalency |
| AHC10216 – Certificate I in AgriFood Operations | AHC10222 – Certificate I in Agriculture | Not Equivalent |
| AHC10316 – Certificate I in Horticulture | AHC10322 – Certificate I in Horticulture | Not Equivalent |
| AHC10416 – Certificate I in Permaculture | AHC10422 – Certificate I in Permaculture | Equivalent |
| AHC20116 – Certificate II in Agriculture | AHC20122 – Certificate II in Agriculture | Not Equivalent |
| AHC20416 – Certificate II in Horticulture | AHC20422 – Certificate II in Horticulture | Not equivalent |
| AHC21716 – Certificate II in Permaculture | AHC21722 – Certificate II in Permaculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC30116 – Certificate III in Agriculture | AHC30122 – Certificate III in Agriculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC30416 – Certificate III in Pork Production | AHC30422 – Certificate III in Pork Production | Not equivalent |
| AHC30516 – Certificate III in Poultry Production | AHC30522 – Certificate III in Poultry Production | Not equivalent |
| AHC30716 – Certificate III in Horticulture | AHC30722 – Certificate III in Horticulture | Not equivalent |
| AHC31516 – Certificate III in Indigenous Land Management | AHC31522 – Certificate III in On Country Management | Not equivalent |
| AHC32516 – Certificate III in Aboriginal Sites Work | AHC32522 – Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Sites Work | Not equivalent |
| AHC32816 – Certificate III in Rural Operations | AHC32822 – Certificate III in Rural Operations | Not equivalent |
| AHC33719 – Certificate III in Protected Horticulture | AHC33722 – Certificate III in Protected Horticulture | Not equivalent |
| AHC33816 – Certificate III in Permaculture | AHC33822 – Certificate III in Permaculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC40116 – Certificate IV in Agriculture | AHC40122 – Certificate IV in Agriculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC40416 – Certificate IV in Horticulture | AHC40422 – Certificate IV in Horticulture | Not equivalent |
| AHC1616 – Certificate IV in Organic Farming | AHC40122 – Certificate IV in Agriculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC42116 – Certificate IV in Permaculture | AHC42122 – Certificate IV in Permaculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC50116 – Diploma of Agriculture | AHC50122 – Diploma of Agriculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC50416 – Diploma of Horticulture | AHC50422 – Diploma of Horticulture Management | Not equivalent |
| AHC51216 – Diploma of Community Coordination and Facilitation | AHC51222 – Diploma of Community Group Coordination and Facilitation | Not equivalent |
| AHC51816 – Diploma of Organic Farming | AHC50122 – Diploma of Agriculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC52116 – Diploma of Permaculture | AHC52122 – Diploma of Permaculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC60415 – Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Land Management | AHC60422 – Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management
|
Equivalent |
Deleted Qualification
| Qualification | Action |
| AHC60216 – Advanced Diploma of Horticulture | Deleted |
Upgraded Qualifications
| Qualifications | Action |
| AHC20919 – Certificate II in Sports Turf Management | Updated from release 2 to release 3 |
| AHC30221 – Certificate III in Dairy Production | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
| AHC42421 – Certificate IV in Landscape Design | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
| AHC50621 – Diploma of Landscape Design | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
| AHC51120 – Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
| AHC52021 – Diploma of Landscape Construction Management | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
| AHC60319 – Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness Management | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
| AHC60520 – Advanced Diploma of Arboriculture | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
Changes in Units of Competency and Skill Sets
Other units of competency and skill sets in the new AHC resources also had significant changes. Some units and skill sets were either added, removed, or updated.
Want to know more? Head to training.gov.au (TGA) for the complete list of revised units of competency and skill sets, stay current on the latest VET developments and make informed decisions about your training.
TGA, the official national register of information on vocational education and training (VET) in Australia, provides detailed information on the national training package, including the units of competency and skill sets currently available and the training providers that offer them.
24 January 2023 AHC Training Package Update
Stay ahead of the curve with the Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management (AHC) Training Package with the latest Version 9.0 released on 24 January 2023.
With significant changes to qualifications and units of competency, this is your opportunity to elevate your RTO training delivery and boost your students’ skills and knowledge in the field.
RTO Learning Materials is leading the way in providing cutting-edge resources, which align with the new AHC resources developed in consultation with industry leaders.
Take advantage of this chance to become an industry trailblazer.
How RTOs Can Leverage the Latest AHC Resources
The recent revisions to the AHC Version 9.0 have prompted a need for new AHC resources and updates to existing ones.
As an RTO, staying informed and taking proactive measures are essential to ensure compliance with the latest AHC resources. Although these materials may still need to be widely available, there are steps that your RTO can take to ensure compliance and stay ahead of the game.
Here are a few strategies that your RTO can do to maintain compliance and prepare for the implementation of the new AHC resources:
- Revise the selection of qualifications, units, and skill sets your institution is permitted to provide, including the latest AHC resources, to ensure that your students have access to the most up-to-date and appropriate training materials.
- Pay close attention to the 12-month transition phase and ensure that all learners utilise the new AHC resources within the designated period to ensure they are fully equipped to meet the industry standards and regulations.
- Address any changes to existing units or qualifications that have been removed by ensuring that students currently enrolled in them complete their training within the specified period to prevent disruptions to their learning and progress.
- Request to expand your organisation’s range of offerings by including new and diverse qualifications and units of competency, enabling your RTO to capitalise on new training opportunities and stay ahead of the competition.
By implementing these strategies, your RTO can stay informed and prepared for the developments and changes in the new AHC Training Package and ensure compliance with the latest AHC resources.
Act now to secure the latest AHC materials! Although these resources are still in development, your RTO can place an advance order for the new AHC resources to avoid last-minute scrambling to acquire these necessary training materials.
By pre-ordering, your organisation can ensure that you have the necessary resources on hand when they become available and can begin incorporating them into your training programs right away. This proactive approach will help your RTO stay ahead of the competition and be well-prepared to implement the new AHC resources, making the transition smooth and seamless for trainers and students.
Browse our online catalogue for the new AHC resources or contact us at 1300 885 484 or enquire through the form.
