A review of Clause 3.5 on Standards for RTOs identified a lack of clarity regarding credit transfer and superseded equivalence for students. Following a full review of the Standards for RTOs, Standards for Training Packages as well as AQF, ASQA has provided clarification and advice on managing credit transfer for superseded equivalent units of competency

The clarification that a provider can grant credit for a superseded equivalent unit without needing to conduct mapping should alleviate confusion as to which units of competency are acceptable and not acceptable for credit transfer.

For further information, click here.

Pathways and Perspectives is a publication for the Australian community that shares data, insights and important stories about the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, the opportunities it creates and the central role it plays in the Australian economy. In the July issue it highlights:

• Vocational education and training (VET) in Australia
• Meet people who transformed their lives
• How regulation ensures quality outcomes for students and employers
• ASQA’s work to improve VET.

Read more.

The Standards for Registered Training Organisation (RTOs) 2015 (the Standards) requires RTOs to provide the VET Regulator with an annual declaration on compliance. The 2021/2022 RTO Annual Declaration on Compliance is now available. A link to the Declaration will be emailed to the Legally Responsible Officer at the RTO.

RTOs will be required to complete and submit their Declaration by 30 September 2022. For more information about the RTO Annual Declaration on Compliance 2021-2022, click here

The new minister for skills and training in the Albanese government, Brendan O’Connor, is faced with competing calls to increase the skilled migrant intake and to invest in education and training to meet the demand for skilled workers. The immediate priority is to help employers fill current vacancies. In the longer term, the government needs to ensure its investments in education and training prepare Australia for future skill needs and opportunities arising from rapid technological change and other grand challenges like climate change.
Industry, vocational education and university providers should collaborate on micro-credentialled offerings as these short courses are a way to rapidly upskill both domestic and international workers which will help fill current gaps without the long lag effects associated with traditional educational qualifications.

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This publication provides a summary of data relating to students, programs, subjects and training providers in Australia’s government-funded vocational education and training (VET) system. In 2021, a total of 1.25 million students were enrolled in government-funded VET, an increase of 4.9% compared with 2020. Students enrolled in nationally recognised training increased by 5.0% to 1,198,500 while those enrolled in non-nationally recognised training increased by 6.6% to 98,400.

View the full report here.

The paper discusses the No Frills conference theme ‘VET’s role in transforming the future’ by examining how the sector is adapting, anticipating and activating change in response to future skill demands. It also outlines the areas that need to be addressed, including how to forecast future skill needs, qualification development and design, micro-credentials, ensuring quality and building the capacity of our VET educator workforce.

Read more.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 3.5 per cent in June 2022, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Seasonally adjusted employment increased by 88,000 people (0.7 per cent) in June 2022. The increase in June 2022 was the eighth consecutive rise in employment, following the easing of restrictions after the Delta lockdowns in late 2021. With strong employment growth for both men and women, the employment to population ratio increased to 64.4 per cent in June, the highest in the series. There was also strong growth in youth employment (those aged between 15 and 24 years) which increased by 23,000 people (1.1 per cent), and accounted for over a quarter of the total increase in employment.

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The following training packages have been updated on training.gov.au:

• ICT: Information and Communications Technology
  Revised 21st June 2022.
• AUR: Automotive Retail, Service and Repair
  Revised 23rd June 2022.
• SHB: Hairdressing and Beauty Services
  Revised 5th July 2022.
• PSP: Public Sector
  Revised 8th July 2022.

ASQA has recently approved the extended transition request for FBP30117 Certificate III in Food Processing qualification to 31 December 2022 for ASQA registered RTOs.

The extended training, assessment, and certification issuance period for FBP30117 Certificate III in Food Processing qualification will end on 31 December 2022.

Read more.

Updates have been made to some Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships Qualifications.

View.