Training packages and accredited courses are the cornerstones of Australia’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) system. They serve as the foundation for developing the training resources and materials delivered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). These packages encapsulate the specific skills and knowledge that industries have determined are necessary for individuals to perform effectively in the workplace. However, it’s important to note that training packages do not prescribe how training should be conducted.
Training Package Developers
Training packages are crafted by Jobs and Skills Councils in collaboration with industries, enterprises, and professional organisations. Each council is an independent, professional entity that collaborates with Industry Reference Committees (IRCs) to create and review these packages. There are 10 councils funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training, including:
- BuildSkills Australia
- Future Skills Organisation
- HumanAbility
- Industry Skills Australia
- Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance
- Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance
- Powering Skills Organisation Ltd
- Public Skills Australia
- Service and Creative Skills Australia
- Skills Insight
What is a Training Package?
A training package outlines the knowledge and skills individuals need to perform effectively in the workplace, detailed in units of competency. These packages also explain how units of competency can be combined into nationally recognised and portable qualifications that align with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). A training package includes a set of nationally endorsed components and a collection of non-endorsed components, each serving distinct purposes. This is the essence of a training package meaning.
Endorsed Components of a Training Package
Endorsed components of a training package form the backbone of training and assessment within training packages. For training to be nationally recognised, each package must satisfy all 4 endorsed components of a training package:
- Training Package Qualification: Each training package outlines the units of competency required to achieve specific Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications. The “packaging rules” guide how units are arranged to form a valid AQF qualification.
- Competency Standards: These detail the skills and knowledge necessary for effective workplace performance.
- Assessment Guidelines: These provide methods for RTOs to assess a student’s competency level, ensuring compliance with assessment principles and evidence rules.
- Credit Arrangements: They specify existing arrangements between training package qualifications and higher education qualifications, facilitating recognition of prior learning (RPL) or current competency (RCC).
Non-Endorsed Components of a Training Package
Non endorsed components of a training package contribute to delivering a successful training program but do not require formal endorsement:
- Skill Sets: Information on individual units of competency meeting an identified need or outcome.
- Quality Assured: Guidelines assisting RTOs in interpreting and understanding the nationally endorsed components.
What is the purpose of a training package?
Training packages serve several important purposes:
For Training Providers
- Curriculum Design: Training packages help providers design curricula that are tailored to meet the specific needs of individual learners and employers.
For Employers
- Workforce Development: They assist employers in designing, developing, and structuring their workforce to ensure employees have the necessary skills and knowledge.
Conclusion
Understanding the intricacies of training packages is crucial for those involved in Australia’s VET system. These packages not only outline the competencies required in various industries but also provide a structured pathway for achieving nationally recognised qualifications. By aligning with industry standards and the needs of both learners and employers, training packages ensure a skilled and competent workforce, ready to meet the challenges of today’s dynamic job market.
