Maintain Compliance with the Latest Changes to Training Packages in 2022

Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) play a crucial role in providing students with high-quality vocational education and training. To ensure compliance and relevance in the industry, RTOS must stay updated on the latest changes to training packages. These changes, including reviewing and updating nationally recognised standards, qualifications, and guidelines, are made to reflect advancements in industry practices, technologies, and regulations.

Training package transitions are a crucial aspect of this process and come with strict deadlines set by ASQA. By staying informed about the latest changes, including transition periods and deadlines, RTOs can maintain their credibility and deliver training that aligns with the latest industry standards. This ensures compliance and enhances the RTO’s marketing and recruitment efforts, as students will recognise the RTO as offering in-demand courses that prepare them for the workforce.

To assist RTOs in this effort, a list of all the recent changes to training packages in 2022 has been provided below.

Recent Changes to the Training Packages in 2022

Training Package	Version	2022 Latest Release Date
ACM – Animal Care and Management Training Package	6.0	16 Jul
AHC – Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package	8.0	31 Jul
AMP – Australian Meat Processing Training Package	7.1	25 Feb
AUM – Automotive Manufacturing Training Package	2.2	07 Jul
AUR – Automotive Retail, Service and Repair Training Package	7.1	23 Jun
AVI – Aviation Training Package	10.0	20 Oct
BSB – Business Services Training Package	8.0	25 Jan
CHC – Community Services Training Package	9.1	31 Dec
CPC – Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package	9.0	08 Dec
CPP – Property Services Training Package	17.0	19 Dec
CSC – Correlational Services Training Package	5.0	05 Dec
CUA – Creative Arts and Culture Training Package	6.0	19 Oct
DEF – Defence Training Package	5.1	22 Dec
FBP – Food, Beverage and Pharmaceutical Training Package	7.0	20 Apr
FNS – Financial Services Training Package	8.2	03 Nov
FWP – Forest and Wood Products Training Package	7.1	23 Feb
HLT – Health Training Package	9.0	15 Dec
ICT – Information and Communications Technology Training Package	8.1	21 Jun
MAR – Maritime Training Package	10.0	20 Dec
MEA – Aeroskills Training Package	5.0	22 Nov
MEM – Manufacturing and Engineering Training Package	3.0	19 Dec
MSF – Furnishing Training Package	8.0	21 Dec
MSL – Laboratory Operations Training Package	4.0	20 Dec
MSM – Manufacturing Training Package	7.2	19 Apr
MSS – Sustainability Training Package	5.0	16 Dec
MST – Textiles, Clothing and Footwear Training Package	5.0	20 Dec
NWP – National Water Training Package	5.0	07 Dec
PMA – Chemical, Hydrocarbons and Refining Training Package	2.3	21 Sep
PMB – Plastics, Rubber and Cablemaking Training Package	2.1	25 Mar
POL – Police Training Package	7.0	06 Dec
PPM – Pulp & Paper Manufacturing Industry Training Package	3.0	10 Feb
PSP – Public Sector Training Package	4.0	21 Nov
PUA – Public Safety Training Package	5.0	16 Dec
RGR – Racing and Breeding Training Package	4.1	25 Feb
RII – Resources and Infrastructure Industry Training Package	9.0	19 Oct
SFI – Seafood Industry Training Package	2.1	25 Feb
SFL – Floristry Training Package	1.1	04 Apr
SHB – Hairdressing and Beauty Services Training Package	4.1	05 Jul
SIF – Funeral Services Training Package	2.3	04 Apr
SIS – Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package	6.0	13 Dec
SIT – Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Training Package	2.1	09 Sep
TAE – Training and Education Training Package	5.0	08 Dec
TLI – Transport and Logistics Training Package	14.0	15 Dec
UEE – Electrotechnology Training Package	5.0	20 Dec
UEG – Gas Industry Training Package	4.0	09 Dec
UEP – Electricity Supply Industry – Generation Sector Training Package	3.0	13 Dec
UET – Transmission, Distribution and Rail Sector Training Package	5.0	06 Dec

Training Package Transitions in 2023

It’s also important to note that 2023 has seen early training package transitions from courses including AHC, AMP, FBP, and FWP. We’ve provided the details below to help you navigate this year’s latest revisions.

Training Package	Version	2023 Latest Release Date
AHC – Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package	9.0	24 Jan
AMP – Australian Meat Processing Training Package	8.0	24 Jan
FBP – Food, Beverage and Pharmaceutical Training Package	8.0	25 Jan
FWP – Forest and Wood Products Training Package	8.0	25 Jan

Important Things Your RTO Can Do to Keep Pace with the Changes to the Training Packages

Here are crucial things to remember to help maintain your RTO’s compliance with training package transitions:

Stay Current with Training Package Transitions

RTOS must stay informed about the changes to training packages to maintain compliance and deliver high-quality vocational education and training. This involves keeping track of transition periods and deadlines via ASQA’s website and staying updated with the recent changes to training packages by visiting training.gov.au.

By staying current with the training package transitions, RTOs can ensure that their courses and assessments align with the latest standards and maintain their credibility in the eyes of students and the industry.

Attend Industry Forums and Workshops

Industry forums and workshops provide an opportunity for RTOs to network with peers and learn about changes in the industry. Attending these events can be particularly helpful in understanding the practical implications of changes to training packages and how they can be implemented in an RTO’s training programs.

Engage with Industry Bodies

RTOs can engage with industry bodies such as employer groups, industry associations, and peak bodies to gain insights into industry trends and developments. Industry bodies can also guide RTOs on how to deliver industry-relevant training aligned with the current needs of the industry.

Consult with Training Package Developers

Training package developers are individuals or organisations responsible for creating and maintaining vocational education and training (VET) packages that outline the skills and knowledge required for a particular industry or occupation.

Some examples of training package developers in Australia include the new Jobs and Skills Councils (JSCs), which have replaced the Skills Service Organisation (SSO) and the Industry Reference Committee (IRC) structures. RTOs can refer to these developers’ websites to obtain information on the latest training package updates, including any changes in training requirements, assessment methods, or licensing conditions.

Review Learning Resources and Assessments

To ensure that courses and assessments meet the new standards, RTOs should review them considering the recent changes to training packages. This includes checking that the materials are current and up to date.

Choose High-Quality Resources

Following training package transitions, RTOs should update their training materials. Choosing compliant and high-quality resources can be challenging, as many training resource providers exist.

The material’s cost, content quality, ability to be easily contextualised, and adaptability to different training modes are important factors RTOs should consider when investing in high-quality training materials. Additionally, RTOs should have a plan if their current resources do not pass an audit.

Ensure Contextualisation

RTOS must adapt their training materials to industry-specific needs to ensure their programs are relevant and effective. To do this, RTOs should evaluate whether their trainers have the right abilities and expertise to contextualise the materials. If they lack the necessary experience, seeking out updated resources or hiring a professional team to assist is recommended. While it may seem cost-effective to let trainers adapt the materials, it can negatively affect the quality of the training and delivery.

Learn how to contextualise training materials by reading our contextualisation guide for RTOs.

Invest in Staff Professional Development

The quality of education and training that RTOs deliver often reflects their trainers and assessors. To maintain compliance and improve credibility, RTOs should invest in upskilling their staff through professional development opportunities such as attending conferences, seminars, and workshops.

There are various professional development trainings that RTO staff can attend to learn about training package transitions. These may include:

1. Workshops and seminars organised by industry bodies, such as the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).
2. Training and information sessions hosted by training package developers, such as members of the Jobs and Skills Councils (JSC).
3. Online courses and webinars offered by industry associations, government agencies, and professional development organisations.

It’s recommended that RTO staff attend a mix of these trainings to gain a comprehensive understanding of the training package transitions and the best practices for implementing them effectively.

Adhere to Transition Deadlines

ASQA has strict deadlines for training package transitions (12 months by default) but does extend transition periods where appropriate. RTOs should promptly update their course materials to avoid negative marketing, enrolment, and compliance impacts. An RTO’s failure to meet these deadlines can adversely affect their business.